LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham insists Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will come good for club and country.
Beckham was keen to back Ferdinand, whose place as an automatic starter has come under increasing scrutiny.
Beckham said: "Mistakes happen in games. You all make mistakes and nobody is perfect. But Rio is as close to perfect as you can get. John Terry and him at the back are exceptional players."
Ferdinand has been sensitive to criticism in the past but Beckham believes the Manchester United defender, who turns 31 early next month, will come through this latest crisis.
Beckham said: "Rio's a tough player - mentally and physically. At Manchester United he's got a manager looking after him and the fans will do their part, too.
"You do go through criticism but there's no way Rio's going to crumble under any criticism because he's too strong a character and a player to do that. Sometimes you make one mistake and people jump on you and expect more of you. I've no doubt Rio will come through it."
