FC Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has named a 78-time England worldwide as one of many “hardest” opponents he confronted all through his profession, alongside Paolo Maldini.
Ronaldinho names ex-England star as “hardest” opponent
Famed for his talent strikes, which included the elastico, rainbow flick and no-look cross, Ronaldinho is among the most iconic gamers of his era, successful the 2005 Ballon d’Or, 2002 World Cup and 2005-06 Champions League in what was an illustrious profession.
Undoubtedly, one of many Brazilian’s best targets got here in opposition to Chelsea within the Champions League again in 2005, with the Barcelona legend managing to depart Petr Cech fully flat-footed courtesy of a intelligent strike from exterior the field.
The 97-time Brazil worldwide at all times threatened in opposition to the Blues, selecting up three targets and one help within the six appearances he made in opposition to the west Londoners within the Champions League.
Nevertheless, provided that the 2002 World Cup winner has a very even document in opposition to Chelsea, successful two, drawing two, and shedding two, it’s clear he had a troublesome time in opposition to José Mourinho’s former membership.
The previous Barca star has since confirmed that he discovered it notably troublesome to return up in opposition to one Chelsea legend particularly, saying:
“The hardest opponents for me are the defenders who’re powerful in the best way they play, the place you possibly can’t see a method by,”
“Paolo Maldini and John Terry are two of the hardest males I’ve met on the sector.”
Terry the most effective defenders of his era
Terry gained all of it at Chelsea, taking part in a significant position within the Blues successful 5 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, three EFL Cups, the 2011-12 Champions League and the 2012-13 Europa League.
Consequently, Ronaldinho is much from the one one that holds the 78-cap former England worldwide in very excessive regard, with ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho as soon as saying: “For me he’s the perfect. I do know Sir Alex would say Ferdinand. I do know Ancelotti will say [Alessandro] Nesta. For me it is John Terry.
“He is completely wonderful. I noticed him play within the nationwide workforce, so not simply with us the place is the skipper and has different tasks, and the extent is similar. For me he is essentially the most full central defender.”
Not solely was the Englishman a “full” centre-back, however he was additionally an actual menace going ahead, scoring 41 Premier League targets, the best variety of any defender within the historical past of the competitors.
The previous Chelsea captain is undoubtedly one of many Premier League’s greatest-ever gamers, which has now been recognised, having been inducted into the Corridor of Fame again in 2024.
