Rio Ferdinand revealed whether Ronaldo Nazario or Sergio Aguero was the more difficult striker to come up against.
In January, Ferdinand revealed that Aguero was one of his most challenging opponents during his playing days, noting that he felt that he had to be on his A-game when facing a player of his calibre.
However, Ronaldo Nazario famously scored a stunning hat-trick against Rio Ferdinand’s Manchester United side in the Champions League in 2003.
Rio Ferdinand reveals the harder striker to defend against: Ronaldo Nazario or Aguero
The Brazilian put on one of the most memorable performances a striker has in recent history to put Real Madrid through to the Champions League semi-finals.
However, Aguero, similar to the World Cup winner was diminutive, fast, skilful and a lethal finisher.
As a result, Ferdinand would have had a task on his hands facing both legendary goalscorers.
But Rio Ferdinand opted for Ronaldo Nazario as a more difficult striker to have come up against than Sergio Aguero.
Speaking to GOAL when asked to pick between the two South American strikers, he replied: “R9 [Ronaldo Nazario].”
The Englishman felt the Ballon d’Or winner was a more challenging opponent for him than other greats as well, such as Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Luis Suarez, apart from the Manchester City legend.
Sergio Aguero would not be surprised by the pick
As excellent a player as Sergio Aguero was, he would be unsurprised to hear Rio Ferdinand view Ronaldo Nazario as a tougher opponent than him, in our view.
If not for injuries, perhaps the retired forward could have been viewed alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona and Pele as up there among the best players of all time.
However, the fact that Aguero can even be named in such conversations goes to show how impactful he was in a Manchester City shirt.
Several other centre-backs who faced the Argentine during his heyday would have had some of the most arduous outings of their careers against him.