Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand was in no doubt when naming a former Premier League hardman as his toughest opponent.
Ferdinand, 46, was one of the best English defenders of all time and in many ways would’ve fitted into the modern-day game with his pace, power and technical ability on the ball.
He faced world-class players such as Lionel Messi, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes during his trophy-laden career, but none of the aforementioned players were named as his toughest opponent.
Ferdinand revealed all when speaking alongside Robbie Savage in an interview with the Mail in 2016.
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Savage explained: “Steven Gerrard [was my toughest opponent]. Paul Scholes was an amazing player… Scholesy could do everything, but Gerrard could as well. Gerrard could run past you, though.
“He went on a run, and you weren't catching him. But I'd rather play against those players. That was the buzz for me. Keane, Vieira, Petit, Scholes, Gerrard. You felt you had a point to prove.”
But Ferdinand’s choice was unexpected, to say the least.
Ferdinand said: “In the Premier League, I'd say people like Kevin Davies. I was tall and lean, but physically, if it came down to a wrestling match and one of those guys pinned me, they had the advantage. So I had to work out ways around it, how to get to the ball first. If you're playing against someone quicker or more skilful, you're just thinking about where to be on the pitch.”
Davies, now 48, scored 88 goals in 444 Premier League appearances and is best known for his time at Bolton Wanderers, during which he won one England cap back in 2010.
Despite being a striker, he is second on the list of most fouls committed in the Premier League with 605, behind Gareth Barry, who committed 633 fouls.
And Davies gave his thoughts on his ‘dirty player’ reputation during an interview with SB Nation in 2013.
"I can't really think of a time when I have lost it or ever intentionally tried to hurt an opponent," Davies said.
He added: "I guess when people have a go, you have to try and take it as a backhanded compliment.
"I have, as you say, been on the receiving end of some tasty challenges myself and picked up some injuries too: broken foot, fractured cheekbone, three broken fingers, and a dislocated finger. I now have a metal plate inserted in my left hand for my troubles.
"I have had countless elbows, split lips, dead legs, scratches, bruises, and have frequently turned up on a Monday morning all bashed up.
"I would like to think that I never complain or feign an injury to get a fellow pro in trouble. I think I can count on one hand how many times a Physio has entered the pitch to treat me, and think I have only left the field of play once through injury."
Topics: Rio Ferdinand, Premier League, Football, Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers
Luke Davies