Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson piled praise on young defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Phil-Jones-c29903 and revealed that the former Blackburn Rovers man could captain the Red Devils in the future.
When Fergie splashed £16.5 million to acquire Blackburn starlet Phil Jones last summer, it raised many eyebrows and few even commented that the fee was only high because of the player’s English origins.
However the 20-year-old has proved his critics wrong and has become a prime British talent that a whole nation can be proud of.
Quickly acclimatizing himself to his new surroundings at Old Trafford, Jones has become a regular feature for the Reds, whether as a centre-back, right-back or even as a defensive midfielder.
His explosive pace coupled with his raw strength has allowed him to continue his gung-ho approach despite playing as a last-stopper, although Fergie has now shown a preference in utilizing the player’s boundless energy in a more demanding role.
Nevertheless, Jones is a testament to Ferguson’s eye for talent and given the kind of reviews being given about the Three Lions International, the Scot may well have secured his defensive frailties for at least another decade.
Alongside Chris Smalling, the Da Silva twins and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonny-Evans-c19085, Jones is the new look United, who now have a potent mixture of youth and experience.
However Ferguson reiterated that while that the whole lot was supremely talented, Jones stood out due to his attributes, which could also see him captain the side in the future.
"He’s definitely a future captain. There’s no doubt about that. I said that from the minute he came to us that I thought there was something about the boy,” Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 said.
"He was doing great until he started getting all these injuries and a bit of illness with 'flu. That kind of thing has derailed his time with us as he and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Smalling have had a nightmare, the two of them.
"If they can stay fit for the rest of the season, it'll be a big bonus for us because they are exceptionally good young players,” the former Aberdeen manager was quoted as saying.
Manchester United now face Jones’ previous side, Blackburn http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rovers-c40385, with the crowd at Ewood Park likely to put up a feisty atmosphere for the arrival of their former hero.
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