West Ham United have a pretty good track record of finding and developing young talent. After all, Moore, Peters and Hurst won the World Cup in 1966, which isn't bad.
The bright young thing nowadays might be Joe Cole, but Rio Ferdinand held that title not so long ago, and has now blossomed into a truly world-class defender.
What's all the fuss about? A supremely elegant footballer (as opposed to the uncultured hoofer we all grew up watching in English football) who defends with intelligence and guile, but also uses the ball when possession is gained.
Not selected for Euro 2000 (to the dismay of many, including the gathering international managers who wanted to have a closer look) but has grown into the England team as a long-term fixture.
A host of clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, had been chasing the centre back, but in the end it was Leeds who produced the cheque book to seal a deal.
Most surprising was that Leeds were prepared to smash not only the British transfer record, but also the world record fee for a defender to prise him away from Upton Park.
The Elland Road outfit were prepared to pay Ł18m for Ferdinand, a fee which sent shockwaves through the footballing world. United paid Ł12m up front with another Ł6m to follow.
Ferdinand took the number 29 shirt at Leeds, opting against keeping the number 15 jersey he had with West Ham.
Rio said when putting pen to paper in November 2000: 'I have realised my ambition of joining a club going forward - that coincided with my ambitions. David O'Leary's thoughts and ideas played a big part in my decision.'
The move has undoubtedly benefited Rio who has improved his ability and claimed a spot in the England set-up as the old rear-guard are phased out.
Sven Goran Eriksson gave Ferdinand a starting place in England's back four in the 3-0 friendly defeat of Spain in February, 2001. The Ł18million man looked confident and assured alongside Sol Campbell.
Made an assured performance against Finland in a World Cup qualifier in March but must shoulder some blame for the Suomi goal. He then cemented his place in Eriksson's England with fine performances against Albania and Mexico.
At the 2002 World Cup he emerged as a truly world class defender, even if the the FIFA selection panel mysteriously rated central defensive partner Sol Campbell higher.
Was a rock as England went out to Brazil in the quarter-finals, and he's sure to remember the fine 1-0 win over Argentina, as well as his headed goal against Denmark in the second round.
But even before the finals, Ferdinand was being strongly linked with a move to Manchester United. Nothing the player said would have given the Leeds faithful hope, he clearly wanted to join Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
With the Leeds plc demanding some cash coming into the club through transfers, it always seemed likely Ferdinand would move on. Leeds battled hard, desperate to keep their skipper at Elland Road, but in mid-July 2002 the player handed in a transfer request.
Although it was turned down, within days he would move for Ł29.3million, signing a five-year contract. The deal could be worth Ł33.3million depending on the club's success.
Ferdinand, a real favourite at Leeds, played 73 games for the club and scored three goals.
Picked up an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly with Boca Juniors, which delayed his full United debut until the 5-0 Champions League qualifying victory over Zalaegerszeg at Old Trafford. His Premiership debut came a few days later in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
AJÁNLOM AZ OLDALT
