Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi has revealed that Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is the defender that he looked up to when he was a youngster.
Ferdinand enjoyed a distinguished career, much of which was spent at United, where he won six Premier League titles, the Champions League once as well as three League Cups.
Mustafi, who has settled in well at Arsenal following his summer switch from Valencia having made 68 clearances and 43 interceptions in the Premier League, has explained why Ferdinand was the defender he admired the most.
As reported by goal, Mustafi said: “I loved watching (Zinedine) Zidane. I loved watching Ronaldinho and when I became a defender I loved Ferdinand.
“He was always there, screaming, tackling playing. He had everything a defender needed.”
The Germany international is yet to experience defeat since joining Arsenal, a run that was extended to 20 games as the Gunners thrashed Swansea City 4-0 on Saturday.
Having been rather unconvincing against Bournemouth and Preston North End, Mustafi was back to something approaching his best at The Liberty Stadium as he helped the Gunners to keep a clean sheet.
Mustafi will be hopeful that he will be able to keep his place in the side even when club captain Per Mertesacker makes his return from injury.
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