Class of 92 vs Class of 2011 - Part 3/7

Phil Neville during his brother Gary's testimonial in May 2011

Phil Neville joined Manchester United as a schoolboy and was apart of the 'Fergie Fledglings'. One of the most versatile players of his generation, Phil was able to play all across the back four, holding midfield and even on the rarest occasion played wide midfield. His preferred position is right back, although he rarely played there for Manchester United due to his brothers dominance in that position.

During his years at Old Trafford, he won 6 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League, having been an unused substitute in the legendary 1999 final. He moved to Everton in 2005 for £3.5M citing regular first team football as his reason for moving to Merseyside. He was appointed captain of Everton in January 2007 after David Weir left to join Rangers. He is still captain to this day.

Phil Jones made his Premier League debut for Blackburn Rovers vs Chelsea in a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park in March 2010. He signed for Manchester United on a 5-year-contract in a deal worth a reported £16.5M after he was set for a medical at rivals Liverpool before Sir Alex Ferguson stepped up his interest.

With both Phil Neville and Phil Jones' versatility, it only seemed right to compare them in Part 3 of Class of 92 vs Class of 11.

Defender/Midfielder vs Defender/Midfielder

Phillip Neville vs Phil Jones

Phil Neville is regarded as one of the most versatile players of his generation at Manchester United along with John O'Shea as he is capable of playing all across the back four and in holding midfield. Naturally a full-back or holding midfielder. Phil Jones is naturally a centre back and holding midfielder, so we'll compare them as holding midfielders with some extra defensive attributes that aren't essential to being a holding midfielder.

MARKING

PN: Phil Neville's marking has always been top notch and that is one of the reasons he is so valuable in so many different positions. He has always been exceptional at marking players out of a game, but of course as he's got older he's lost pace and it's harder to stay tight now. His marking was always one of his greatest strengths.

GRADE: 8/10

PJ: Phil Jones's marking for a 19 year old defender is absolutely superb. During his very short Manchester United career so far, he's managed to keep Edin Dzeko and Jermain Defoe quiet. He's got the pace to keep up with a man and the power and dominance to go one for one with them too. With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand alongside him in training too, he'll only get better.

GRADE: 8/10

TACKLING

PN: Neville's tackling was always at a satisfactory level, but was never anything out of this world - hence why he struggled to make it as first choice for Manchester United until the early 2000's. He was always seen as more of a back-up player for Manchester United, the type to fill in the gaps and did that well, but none of his attributes stood out as a shining light. He knew how to tackle, but all defenders should.

GRADE: 7/10

PJ: Jones' tackling was top notch and Ferguson stated that as one of the main reasons for signing the gifted defender. His performance last season at Ewood Park vs Manchester United was a joy to behold as he made some incredible tackles to deny Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs.

GRADE: 8/10

POSITIONING

PN: Neville's positional sense was a huge asset to him as he was never the quickest of defenders. He always knew where he was on a football pitch and it helped him greatly when up against quicker opponents. He always knew how to mark the space well and his decision making was top notch.

GRADE: 8/10

PJ: Jones' positioning is very good for a young defender/midfielder as shown best during his performance against Manchester United last season at Ewood Park. He was always in a great position to clear the ball or stop the attack and has shown great promise in United colours too.

GRADE: 8/10

BRAVERY

PN: Younger Neville was always very brave when it came to defending and always showed great commitment and dedication to the cause. He made plenty of blocks during his Manchester United career and showed that he is more than willing to take one for the team when he was sent off vs Liverpool for handling on the line in the Merseyside derby.

GRADE: 8/10

PJ: Manchester United's new #4 has already proved his bravery in the opening 3 games of the season for his new club. Although United haven't been under too much pressure in any games so far he's made blocks and tackles that he had to be fully committed too. He also made a magnificent block to prevent Ryan Giggs in that game I keep mentioning at Ewood Park last season.

GRADE: 8/10

LEADERSHIP

PN: Phil Neville was never Manchester United captain, but was appointed Everton captain within 18 months of signing for the club. He's vocal and with plenty of experience obviously knows what he's talking about. He's not afraid to tell his team-mates if they need to pick up their performance, but he's also always encouraging to his team-mates. An excellent captain, who also once captained England (briefly).

GRADE: 9/10

PJ: Phil Jones has been described by many pundits and fans (myself included) as a future England captain and it's obvious why. In a team with captain Chris Samba beside him, he was always screaming instructions and encouragement to his team-mates and that has continued since his move to Old Trafford. His communication is superb and will only get better with age and confidence. 

GRADE: 8/10

TOTALS

PHIL NEVILLE - 40/50

PHIL JONES - 40/50

So at the age of 19, Phil Jones is just as good as Phil Neville. Considering his age and potential and the way the manager of his club and national team think of him, it's almost certain that Phil Jones will inevitably become an even better defender than he already is. He's got plenty of room for improvement which is only a scary thing for strikers who will come up against him in the next 10+ years.