Ferdinand comes of age

Ferdinand's reputation is growing by the game

BBC Sport Online looks at Rio Ferdinand's journey from teenage prodigy to England's most influential central defender since Booby Moore.

As a schoolboy at West Ham, Rio Ferdinand was always regarded as a back for the future.

A cultured defender who would rather drop his shoulder and feint past the opposing striker than take the row Z option.

 Profile: Rio Ferdinand

Now, after a series of impressive performances in the World Cup, Ferdinand is not just the future, but also the commanding presence of the present.

Following a draw with Sweden and victory over Argentina, England knew what was required against their African opponents.

And, according to Ferdinand they got the kind of match they expected.

"Nigeria did not disappoint us. We knew they would be tough and they were," he said.

"The pressure was on us in this game after doing so well against Argentina. The heat was crazy - the hottest conditions I have played in. My feet were burning."

 Match report

Vital tackles, a calm demeanour and quality distribution have punctuated Ferdinand's displays - it was no different on Wednesday morning.

He has been instrumental in England's success so far in Korea and Japan and is determined to help the trend continue.

"I can't wait for Saturday. Everyone said we would not get out of our group but we were up for this game," he said.

"We are looking forward to Denmark now. I watched them on television when they beat France and that says it all. But we just want to get stuck in now."

  Ferdinand Factfile

1996: West Ham debut against Sheffield Wednesday

1997: Scores first goal for West Ham in 2-1 defeat at Blackburn in February. Full-international debut against Cameroon in November

1998: Named in the England squad for the World Cup finals

1999: Makes his 100th Premiership appearance against Leicester in January

2000: Left out of the England squad for Euro 2000

April - Hints at move from West Ham

November 22 - West Ham accept Leeds' bid of £18m

The 22-year-old's elevation to the full England team in 1997 was seen as a welcome trend in English football - a stopper who could create as well as stifle.

Ferdinand was again outstanding in England's final group match against Nigeria, in which they secured a 0-0 draw to set up a second-round meeting with Denmark.

And that assessment of his ability has proved entirely accurate - indeed his development has probably surpassed expectations.

He is viewed as the best of England's crop of young defenders, which includes his partner at the heart of England's defence, Sol Campbell.

Even before being called up to the international squad for the first time in September 1997, Ferdinand was being hailed as a certain international for the next decade.

Moore comparisons

The inevitable comparisons with former England and West Ham captain Bobby Moore followed.

However, any possible debut was put on hold.

Ferdinand was convicted of drink-driving a week before the World Cup qualifier with Moldova and the then England coach, Glenn Hoddle, was left with no choice but to drop him.

His behaviour on a summer holiday to Cyprus, also did little to show an increase in maturity.

The London-born defender, who signed schoolboy forms in 1994, made his breakthrough in the West Ham first team in the 1996-97 season.

By the end of that campaign, he was already one of the first names on Hammers' boss Harry Redknapp's team sheet.

Ferdinand holds off Italy's Filippo Inzaghi

His consistency and grace under fire cemented his position in the England Under-21 side and made him a fans' favourite in east London.

Euro 2000

Ferdinand failed to make the cut for Kevin Keegan's final 22, which travelled to France for Euro 2000.

But his excellent form in the narrow defeat against Italy in Turin, his ninth full international cap, helped him regained his position.

Ferdinand's form at West Ham and on the international stage led to speculation that he would make a big-money move to one of the Italian or Spanish giants in 2000.

However, Leeds manager David O'Leary captured the defender and his performances in the two years since his move have made the £18m transfer fee look a bargain.

In fact, that fee could be made to look paltry in the very near future.

The Italian and Spanish Giants, who missed out last time, are chomping at the bit to make Ferdinand the most expensive defender in the world.

At the moment he looks worth every penny.