Sam Allardyce had no doubts when asked who was the worst player he ever managed

Ex-Premier League boss Sam Allardyce didn't hesitate when asked to name the worst ever player he managed during his career.

Allardyce enjoyed a stellar career as a manager in the Premier League, having taken charge of Newcastle United, West Ham United, Everton, Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers, among others.

But he will be most remembered for his legendary spell at Bolton Wanderers.

He spent seven-and-a-half years in charge at the Reebok Stadium, managing some of the club's greatest ever players.

But some players also failed to impress Allardyce - in particular Brazilian forward Mario Jardel, who joined the then-Premier League club in the summer of 2003.

Jardel, who arrived from Sporting CP for a fee of up to £1.3 million, failed to register a single league goal for Bolton, though he scored three goals in the League Cup, including a header against Liverpool.

Mario Jardel failed to score in the Premier League but bagged a goal against Liverpool in the Carling Cup. Image: Getty

Speaking to a group of young kids via TikTok channel Tag Sports, Allardyce said: "The worst player was a guy called Mario Jardel. He was an international player from Brazil, but he was what we would call a liability. He just did what he wanted, when he wanted.

"He wasn’t very dedicated," the ex-England gaffer added. "If you’re going to be a footballer, you need to be dedicated - especially these days. He was what we’d call a party animal. He liked to go to too many parties."

Jardel barely lasted in England as he signed for Italian side Ancona during the January transfer window of the 2003/04 campaign and never played for Bolton again.

Who is the best player Sam Allardyce managed?

Allardyce managed plenty of high-profile players, including Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro and ex-Arsenal and Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka.

Not to mention Jay-Jay Okocha, who earned a reputation as a Premier League cult-hero following his iconic spell at Bolton.

Jay-Jay Okocha enjoyed a legendary spell at Bolton Wanderers. Image: Getty

Okocha, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, made 124 league appearances and scored 14 goals.

And Allardyce hailed the Nigerian maestro as the best player he ever managed, referencing his incredible skillset.

"The best was Jay-Jay Okocha because he was so skillful," he explained. "He was a great captain as well. When we played Arsenal at the Reebok, he’s by the corner flag and flicks the ball over Ray Parlour, runs around him and turns around and laughs at him."