The player in question has always been praised for his unusual skills as a center back. His ability to control the ball, pass accurately, and dribble made him stand out in the position, especially as an English player. He became known as a “Rolls-Royce defender” due to these attributes, and he focused on maintaining that reputation in the early stages of his career.
However, a change in mindset occurred after he joined Manchester United in 2002. He realized that his primary role was to focus on defending, and he needed to adapt to the higher level of play at United. This shift in perspective was a significant wake-up call for him.
Prior to this, he had been more focused on showcasing his skills and receiving praise for being a different type of center back. The player acknowledges that his former manager at West Ham, Harry Redknapp, championed him for his unique style of play and dubbed him a “Rolls-Royce of a defender.” This lack of defensive mentoring and the media’s recognition of his unconventional approach to the position further emphasized his need to adjust his mindset and prioritize defending in his new team at Manchester United.
