I don't think it is cosmetic. Teams with good leaders on the pitch do well imo: Puyol, Viera, Konpany, Keane, Terry or Gerrard.... it's not a co-incidence.
Yeah, he played all over the pitch when he first broke through, didn't he? We had so many players out back then, at times.
He is a top player pity that injury has brought his career to an end, he's done well to play this long from what I know of his injury.
If my memory serves me well, his best game for England was against France in euro 2004 but also he was outstanding at DM for england, it was his composure on and off the ball which always stood out.
A really good defender, and to go as long as he has with that type of injury is incredible. Makes you wonder what he could have achieved had he not had such an injury. I could see him go on to make a pretty good manager - he reads the game superbly.
Very sad to see King retire. He was one of the best centre backs in the PL for years, such a shame his injuries held him back and eventually got the better of him.
I remember Alan Green spending the entire first half bitching and moaning that Ledders was playing in that match - presumably somebody headbutted some sense into him in the second half, because it suddenly dawned on him he was the best player in a white shirt.
A shame, but inevitable I'm afraid. One of the all time great centre backs, IMO. He played for England a mere 21 times - probably a quarter of the number a fully fit Ledley would have got. I'm sure that had he not had the problems, that he did, the likes of Real would have been knocking on our door.
Sad news but the right decision,glad to see he's staying at the club in another role.these mercenary players like Rat-boy should take note.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...rompts-the-question-what-could-have-been.html and a great comment from one of their readers
