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Topics: Kyle Walker, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester City
Matthew Holt
Topics: Kyle Walker, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester City
Kyle Walker has named the four toughest opponents he has faced during his professional career - with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both snubbed.
Walker, 34, is one of the most decorated stars of the modern era having now won six Premier League titles with Manchester City.
European and international battles have brought challenges of the highest calibre with the former Spurs man known for his superb one-on-one defending.
However, despite having faced up against both Ronaldo and Messi in the past, Walker didn't name either player when asked to compile a list.
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Speaking to BBC, he said: "First of all, I would say (Eden) Hazard.
"We’ve had some good battles at Tottenham, you know, Tottenham vs. Chelsea.
"He was really tough to mark, and sometimes I got the better of him, sometimes he got the better of me.
"Second, I would say (Sadio) Mane. Again, you know, being at Manchester City, I’ve had some great rivals with Liverpool and coming up against him was always tough.
"You know, so skilful, worked really hard for the team, and also, you know, chipped in with a lot of goals, sometimes against me."
Walker added: "(Kylian) Mbappe or Vinicius Junior. I think it’s hard to say between them both. You know, Mbappe very, very skilful. Obviously played against him at PSG and against France in the World Cup.
"Vinicius Junior I think the same, very skilful young player, exciting winger, you know, with the world at his feet, so I think both of them deserve a mention, and it would be hard for me to say a top three."
The admission comes as a surprise given Ronaldo's prominence in the Premier League with Manchester United.
Messi's spell at Barcelona also provided an opportunity for Walker to go toe-to-toe with the talented Argentinian.
Walker has in the past admitted the former PSG man would be the one player he wishes he had the chance to play alongside.
“I think Leo Messi because of everything Pep says about him and his prestige and influence on the field," he told FIFA.
“I spoke with Alvarez about him and what he brings to the team.
"I played against him before and was lucky, but to play with him will be something very special.”