In 2006, Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro won the World Player Of The Year award, but before that, you have to go back to 1997 for a defender to even feature in the top 3. That man was Roberto Carlos, the Brazil left back famous for that bullet of a left foot. Here starts the somewhat early, and maybe optimistic campaign for Nemanja Vidic to win the 2009 award.
Off the back of Manchester United's record-equalling 10 clean sheets in a row, Vidic has been the prominent figure in all the matches, carrying the burden of Rio Ferdinand's absence and allowing young Jonny Evans, who has also been a revelation in the heart of United's defence, to step up and mature into an accomplished Premier League footballer. Let us not forget that Patrice Evra has played in only one of United's last 7 domestic games due to injuries and suspension, Ferdinand even less so. Wes Brown has missed them all through a long term injury, and the return of Gary Neville has not disrupted their rhythm.
But there is one man who has been through it all, and Vidic deserves special praise for his outstanding performances at centre-half. United striker Dimitar Berbatov has recognised this, saying United's back five (including goalkeeper van der Sar), who has looked increasingly shaky this season, do 70% of the work. They might not need to if Berbatov started giving higher than mediocre performances, but that is a debate for another day.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be wary however, that Vidic is suspended for United's first leg against Inter Milan in February. Then, you feel, it will be essential to have Ferdinand back and on top of his game. Any good side is built on a solid defence, and United have exactly that. With games against West Brom and Fulham coming up, you can only see that run of clean sheets extending, especially if their rock at the heart of it all keeps himself fit.
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