'I played against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – this is who the toughest opponent was'

Ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has named hero as the toughest opponent he’s faced.

Germany and Real Madrid defender Rudiger has been for some time and left at for .

During his tenure, he has when it comes to attackers, going blow-for-blow with and four times a piece – and it would be expected either of the pair be named as the opponent he’s had the most difficulty besting.

However, instead of going for such obvious big hitters, the defender chose to name another little Argentinian – City legend Aguero – when asked who he hated to play the most.

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“Kun Agüero gave me a lot of ,” ex-Chelsea man Rudiger told YouTube channel. “He was really tough to play against.”

The two met on seven occasions, once for their countries and the rest for their respective English clubs. During these meetings, the Argentinian - who hung up his boots in 2021 - notched six goals, including a hat-trick, and came away victorious in five of their clashes.

However, their last meeting may take the edge of such misery for Rudiger, as it took place when newly announced England boss Thomas Tuchel helped guide the 31-year-old’s Chelsea side to glory in 2021 – leaving Aguero’s City licking their wounds.

The omission of both Ronaldo and Messi may seem strange, but Rudiger explained his reasoning for leaving out the two world-beaters, citing them as almost ‘inhuman’.

“I could say Messi or Ronaldo, but for me, they are from a different planet," Rudiger admitted. "We all know that. We go with human beings.”

Also asked about the brightest star he’s played alongside, Rudiger chose to go with his former team-mate at the Bernabeu and current Al-Ittihad marksman Karim Benzema.

“The best player I have played with is Karim Benzema," Rudiger added. "I can say Luka Modric, Toni Kroos or Eden Hazard, but I'm going to say Benzema. He was a hell of a striker. His intelligence... He was world-class.”

Rudiger faced his former team-mate Benzema six times before the pair united under Carlo Ancelotti, with the Frenchman often being the victorious party.

Benzema found the back of Rudiger’s net five times in said encounters, namely scoring three in the 2021/2022 Champions League quarter-final second leg as Los Blancos survived a scare at the hands of Chelsea – who had knocked them out the year prior on their way to lift their European crown.

During said run to the title under Tuchel, Rudiger tasted victory against Benzema for the only time, if aggregate scores are ignored, with a 2-0 home victory.

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