Great post Fergus. I agree with everything apart from the bit about Rio.
I went for Vidic or Hargreaves as well for an outside bet. They would be immense......but back to Rio. I think he just gets better and better. He is cutting out the mistakes in his game.
His lazy manner is his style of play but he gets the best of the centre forwards week in-week out. He has been cajoling his teammates, always giving out to Edwin lol and dishing out a few bollockings and stares a la Keano..... He can be a crowd pleaser with some last ditch tackles and he takes no shit either (remember how he brushed Torres off) would be one of numerous examples.
Rio is now such a vital player and if rumours are true he could be the next England captain as well.
Some people still have the hump with Rio over various issues (contract negotiations, missed drugs test, off the field antics) To be fair he seems a bit of a lad and doesnt do himself any favours sometimes but he can still be an inspirational captain and I for one look forward to seeing him life the Premiership, Fa cup and Champions League on numerous occasions.