Rio the Role Model

  • 24 June 2009

Everton youngster Jack Rodwell swapped shirts with Rio Ferdinand last season and hopes to eventually emulate the Manchester United centre-back.

Rodwell played in a defensive midfield role for England Under-21s against Germany on Monday but has been tipped to drop back into defence, just as Ferdinand did at West Ham at the start of his career.

''I have heard the comparisons,'' Rodwell said. ''It's brilliant to be compared with such a player as Rio Ferdinand. I try to base it on my own game. I do like to play out from the back, so that's probably why they have played me in midfield because I am comfortable on the ball.''

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