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I’ve played against Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho but one-cap England man was the toughest I faced
Ledley King has played against some titans of the game, but the toughest man he ever faced might surprise a few people.
The ex-Tottenham and England defender has locked horns with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho, who have won it once apiece too.
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But who's the best of them all?
“I think when all’s said and done it’s Cristiano Ronaldo," King told marvelbet369.com.
"But Zidane was up there, I played against Ronaldinho. There were some decent players around that level but it’s Ronaldo for what he’s achieved in the game and the longevity of his game.
“He’s going to be held in the highest regard over the other two players but in terms of talent and ability the three of them are with Cristiano.”
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Their stunning ability on the ball made them all stand out during their illustrious playing careers, but one can still make a good career for themselves without possessing the conventional abilities.
In terms of the toughest opponents he's faced in terms of their physical presence, King has a surprise selection in the form of Kevin Davies.
Davies is best known for his time at Bolton, representing the Trotters for ten years with nine of them coming in the Premier League.
His standout qualities were his strength and aerial ability and King says you'd know you were in a game when up against Davies.
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“In terms of the best as a striker, I’d say Thierry Henry. But when it comes to tough, when I had battles against someone, it was Kevin Davies at Bolton," King said when asked who the physically toughest opponent he faced was.
“Bolton were a physical team. Everything was long ball, long throw-ins, you had to fight for everything.
Ledley King recalls the time he played against Liverpool at Anfield after not training for seven months due to injury then got man on the match, played 90 minutes and won
“Kevin Davies was someone who put themselves around. You knew exactly what you were going to get every single game from him, he really tested you.”
“That’s someone who I remember throughout my career, every game you played against, you were in for a real physical battle.”
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Davies scored 87 times in 442 Premier League appearances, having also represented Southampton and Blackburn in the top flight.
He earned his sole England call-up in October 2010, making a 20-minute cameo appearance during a Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.
King is not the only man to have named Davies as his toughest opponent.
Former Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio named the Bolton legend as one of his toughest players to face.
He said: "When I first came to Liverpool, I remember games with Bolton Wanderers were really difficult at the beginning.
“Kevin Davies was always on the right, so it was always a really physical test for me. That was really tough in that aspect.
“Playing against Chelsea and Real Madrid, Arjen Robben was also really difficult to play against. I would say both, to be honest.
“The experience with Davies was the more physical side of English football, while Robben was a really talented and quick player.”
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