A former Premier League striker has stirred up controversy with his comments on ex-Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, raising doubts about his legacy.
Nemanja Vidic, not Elite: Taylor-Fletcher
Gary Taylor-Fletcher, who played as a striker for Blackpool in their only Premier League campaign, suggested that the ex-Manchester United defender may not merit inclusion in the same category as other revered Premier League center-backs.
Vidic played for Manchester United for eight years, winning 15 trophies, including five Premier League titles. Despite being considered one of the best defenders alongside players like John Terry, Vincent Kompany, Rio Ferdinand, and Virgil van Dijk, Taylor-Fletcher disagrees.
Taylor-Fletcher faced Vidic in 2010–11. He shared his opinion on social media, saying Vidic wasn’t as good as Ferdinand, Terry, or Van Dijk. He compared Vidic to Martin Skrtel, suggesting they were at a similar level.
“Yeah and I tore him apart twice for @BlackpoolFC in 2010/11 season. He was nowhere near levels of Ferdinand, Terry & VVD. He was the same level as Skrtel. Solid good player. Not elite.”, he commented, on his social media account on X.
Yeah an I tore him apart twice for @BlackpoolFC in 2010/11 season.
He was no where near levels of Ferdinand, Terry & VVD.
He was the same level as skrtel.
Solid good player.
Not elite. https://t.co/hi6o5eoO6C— Gary Taylor-Fletcher (@GTF_12) March 14, 2024
Controversy surrounding Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s comments on Nemanja Vidic
During the 2010/11 season, Taylor-Fletcher played a key role for Blackpool, contributing six goals in the Premier League, including one against Manchester United. Despite Taylor-Fletcher’s belief that he performed better than Vidic in some games, Blackpool got relegated on the final day of the season, ending their memorable journey sadly.
Taylor-Fletcher’s comments have sparked debates among football fans, showing how opinions about players can differ. This incident reminds us that even top players like Vidic can face criticism, highlighting the varied views in football.
