Who Needs Rio When You Can Have Woodgate?
By Matthew Jones
December 20 2003
An oldish story yes, but Mick Quinn gives his opinion. Who is better? Newcastle United's bargain buy, Jonathon Woodgate, or Manchester United's multi-million pound Rio Ferdinand? The pair were at Leeds together, but just who has the edge?
WOODY VS RIO
John Gibson from The Evening Chronicle went to ask Newcastle United hero, Mick Quinn, who said: "I certainly prefer Woodgate to Ferdinand.
"And my old club got him for only a third of what Manchester United paid for Rio. Now that's what I call a bargain.
"The difference between the two, I believe, is that while Ferdinand looks quality for 89 minutes he's always prone to making one mistake that can be hugely costly at Premier League level. Woodgate, on the other hand, can be relied upon to play out the game safely.
"He is controlled, quick, a good reader and organiser, and can pass it.
"But Rio has an arrogance about his play that demands him to be a risk-taker on occasions and that's when he can come unstuck. I also don't think he's as strong mentally as Jonathan.
"He really excites me. I've seen quite a bit of him, both live and on the telly, and he has the lot.
"My old club have a smashing side - one for the future - but Viana is the one who stands out above the rest.
"I was at St James's Park when he won the match against Birmingham and I watched him live on the box when England played Portugal in an Under 21 match. Viana was taken off with a shoulder injury but he had ran the show until then.
"I used to watch Jenas at Nottingham Forest and he's as bright as a button. I felt he was overawed a bit when he first got into the Newcastle team but he's blossomed considerably.
"The lad can do much more on the ball. Kieron Dyer is such a buzzer that he comes back and takes it off Jermaine's toes and the kid needs to tell Kieron to let him play his own game.
"United haven't got enough goals from midfield - it's the part of Dyer's game that needs improving - but Jenas will score his fair share over a season.
"I'm looking forward immensely to seeing them in the Premier League next season. I was in the last Portsmouth team to reach the top flight in 1987 but we came back down. I don't think Pompey will do that this time. They have a nice mix of youth and experience and the chairman is ready to spend £20 million this summer."
Is bargain buy Jonathon Woodgate better than multi-million pound Rio Ferdinand? The pair were at Leeds United together, but who is better?