Rio Ferdinand questions Sir Alex Ferguson's 'world class player' list

Rio Ferdinand (R) was signed by Alex Ferguson (L) from Leeds United in 2002.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has responded to Sir Alex Furguson’s claim about the world class players he has managed by attempting to spark a debate around what the phrase actually means, Mirror reports.

In the Scotsman's latest book “Leading”, he has mentioned the four world class players he has worked with during his 26 years as United’s boss. The names included Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Eric Cantona, but Ferguson has reserved special praise for Ronaldo, describing him as “like the ornament on top of a Christmas tree” in the book.

The bold claim made by the former United gaffer has offended Ferdinand, who has forged one of the best defensive partnership in European football in the late 2000s along with Nemanja Vidic. However, neither of the duo has been ranked as ‘ world class’ in Ferguson’ s eyes and this has led him to post the question on the Scotsman for his claim.

"What equates to being world class?" Ferdinand wrote on Facebook.

WORLD CLASS;What equates to being world class??Sir Alex Ferguson named 4 players from his time at MUFC as being '...

Posted by Rio Ferdinand on Wednesday, September 23, 2015

"Sir Alex Ferguson named 4 players from his time at MUFC as being 'world class' (where was mine among a few other names boss!!). Ronaldo, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo are all obviously world class players from different eras.”

"They dominated games, leagues, tournaments with their skill, desire, goals & ruthlessness many a time...”

"The one thing the guys all had was that no matter what situation they were in they found a way... to score, to drag their team forward, to prove their worth even when considered the best."

He further added: "Can a midfielder run games consistently, can they score important goals, assists, carry the team, control games, be responsible, do they have the personality to take the ball in any situation at any time... Can a defender dominate all types of strikers, can he influence others to perform better, are they vocal, a leader, do they have consistency, perform in big games, are they brave, can they play/pass...”

"Can a keeper make game-changing saves, are they consistent, are they leaders, personality... These are some of the things you would have to consider when calling someone world class.”

Ferdinand thinks Beckham is world class despite his weaknesses

The former United defender has gone on to debate about how has the former Madrid and United legend David Beckham not been considered world class in Ferguson’s eyes. Ferdinand has admitted that Beckham is a quality player despite his inability to dribble and go past players.

According to the 36-year-old, Beckham has been the best crosser and dead ball specialist he has played with in his career. Although he might not have scored enough goals for United, it still does not rule him out of the world class category.

"Do you have to have performed well at major tournaments internationally as well as for your clubs? What about a player like David Beckham... the best crosser of a ball I have ever seen or played with but dribbling & beating players were not part of his make up - does that rule him out of the world class debate??”

"Pirlo, a phenomenal passer of the ball, dictator of games but not a great tackler – so is he not a contender?? Do you have to be one of the best paid players in the world? Samuel Eto'o held that title whilst in Russia, was he??

"But more seriously, I do believe that a world class player must be someone who could walk into any team in the world & improve them. Of course the Ronaldos, Peles, Maradonas, Cruyffs, Messis & Cristiano Ronaldos would all do that no problem... Ronaldinho was undoubtedly the best player in the world for a couple of years; the same would be said of Zidane, but no one before Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo has year in year out for the length of time they have (7 to 8 years) been THE BEST... does that make them the greatest?”

"Anyway, the debate goes on..."