You wouldn't normally associate the calm, collected Rio Ferdinand with the young maverick Brazilian right-back Rafael, apart from the fact that they play for the same club Manchester United. However, according to Ferdinand, Rafael reminds him of a younger version of himself.
The Brazilian has the habit of switching off while defending, allowing silly mistakes to creep in, which in turn frustrates the United fans.
While there is no doubt about the 22-year-old's ability to go forward, emphasized by the brilliant goal he scored against Liverpool in the English Premier League game Sunday, his discipline while defending, which after all is his primary job, is a bit suspect.
However, Ferdinand has no doubts that the youngster, who also has a twin brother Fabio, who is currently with Queens Park Rangers on loan, at United, will eventually turn into a good defender.
"Rafa is his own worst critic," Ferdinand said. "He is emotional and sometimes when he makes a mistake he has to make up for it immediately.
"That comes out in his game at times. When I was his age I was a lot like that.
"I used to be more interested in what was happening in the attacking part of the game and further up the pitch than defensive play. With experience that will disappear and you will see a top right-back."
Ferdinand elaborated on how he learnt the art of defending, under the guidance of David O'Leary, only after making his move from West Ham United to Leeds United way back in 2000. "I realised it when I went to Leeds at 22," he continued.
"I was more of a maverick under Harry Redknapp at West Ham and when I went to Leeds, David O'Leary pulled the reins in and made me think about my defensive duties first.
"He said everything else would come naturally. I speak to Rafa about it similarly and he's a quick learner."
The 33-year-old has been linked with a return to the England fold after the retirement of John Terry, but the classy central defender is just happy to get on with his business of helping Manchester United win as many games as possible. "Personal performances and accolades come way down the list when you are winning at places like Anfield," he added.
"I have always said I just want a consistent run of games. At the moment that is what I am doing and I am really happy."