Rio Ferdinand causes controversy after picking between Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski and Luis Suarez

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has caused controversy by choosing between Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski and Luis Suarez in their primes.

The trio are three of the best strikers of the modern era, having all won top division titles and achieved huge individual success.

Benzema is currently the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, while Lewandowski was named as The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2020 and 2021.

Suarez, meanwhile, won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015 - an accolade Benzema has won five times, and Lewandowski is yet to win - and was named in the FIFPro World XI in 2016.

Lewandowski has more career goals of the three, and is also the only one to still be playing in Europe with Barcelona. Benzema plays his club football for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, having left Real Madrid on a free transfer earlier this summer.

While Lewandowski's prime came during his spell at Bayern Munich, Suarez hit his stride towards the end of his stint at Liverpool, where he was unstoppable to Premier League defenders, before carrying that form into life at Barcelona.

Now, Ferdinand has given his opinion on which of the trio was better in their prime - and there has been plenty of debate on his comments.

Rio Ferdinand chooses between Benzema, Lewandowski and Suarez

Speaking on his YouTube channel 'Vibe with FIVE', Ferdinand's opinion was unequivocal on which striker was harder to play against.

He stated: "Prime Benzema. He was the hardest to play against."

Ferdinand played against Benzema when United took on Real Madrid at the last 16 stage of the Champions League in 2013 - although plenty would argue that was before the Frenchman hit his prime.

He faced Suarez on numerous occasions in the Premier League when the Uruguayan was a Liverpool player - but clearly felt that it was Benzema who was his toughest opponent.

However, fans of various clubs had different views on which of the trio was the best player in their prime.

One wrote: "Anyone who says anything but Suarez is a bloody liar."

A second said: "As much as I love Benzema, Suarez will always be on top of my list of all time best strikers."

A third added: "Suarez by the far the best player on this list."

Another claimed: "How has he managed to pick the worst one out of the three haha."

A few fans, however, agreed with Ferdinand's view. One said: "Prime Benzema is sooo much better!"

Another claimed: "Even though Rio never played for us, I feel like he is a real Madridista."

Who do you think was the better striker in their prime? Let us know.

Topics: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Karim Benzema, Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Rio Ferdinand, Robert Lewandowski, Fan Reactions

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.