Manchester United new boy Chris Smalling has hailed the influence of Rio Ferdinand as he looks to improve as a center-back.
Smalling, 20, arrived for £10 million in the summer from Fulham after only a handful of Premier League appearances.
His potential was on show in his goalscoring start in the League Cup victory at Scunthorpe United and dominant displays for the England Under-21s, and the defender has spoke of the "real joy" of playing alongside the Three Lions' senior captain.
“The stature of the guy is something to look up to and he has been a real joy to be alongside," he said.
“Rio has built up that presence over the years. He is just very commanding. On the ball, he just gives you that composure.
"Whether he puts on that captain's armband or it is just in training, he is leading the team.
"I have had to pick up along the same way, because I am the eyes of the central midfielders and that is something I have been working on, and he has been helping me.
"Rio is great to play with, so is [Nemanja] Vidic, so I cannot be in a better atmosphere to be learning my trade."
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