Zidane Reveals the Two Players He Found It Hardest to Play Against During His Illustrious Career
Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever played the game. With an impressive trophy cabinet to back up his claim, he won everything there is to win at club and international level. From league titles in Italy and Spain to the Champions League and even the World Cup, Zidane’s playing career was nothing short of extraordinary.
But despite his dominance on the pitch, there were two players who managed to give him a tough time. And it’s no surprise that both players were standout central defenders from the 1990s and 2000s.
The Frenchmen Who Gave Zidane a Run for His Money
The first player to give Zidane a hard time was none other than his French team-mate, Lilian Thuram. Thuram was an incredible defender, known for his speed, agility, and attacking prowess. Zidane, speaking in a viral video with Lionel Messi, referred to Thuram as a "tough" opponent, saying, "When he is on your team, you are happy. But if he is playing against you, you are not."
The A.C. Milan Legend Who Stood Out
But it was Italian and A.C. Milan legend, Paolo Maldini, who Zidane considered the hardest opponent he ever faced. Maldini’s incredible career spanned an impressive 25 years, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history. Zidane was full of praise for Maldini, saying, "He was very smart and intelligent on the field. Sometimes I was in front of him and… well…"
Why Zidane Found Maldini So Challenging
So, what made Maldini so hard to play against? It was his intelligence and footballing brain that set him apart. Maldini was a master of positioning, anticipation, and spatial awareness, making him extremely difficult to beat. Additionally, his experience and trophy cabinet were unmatched, with 25 years of consistently performing at the highest level.
The Verdict
In conclusion, it’s clear that Zidane faced some of the toughest opponents in his playing career. From his own team-mate Thuram to the legendary Maldini, he was put to the test on more than one occasion. While Zidane may have come out on top on most occasions, he recognizes the incredible talents of the players who pushed him to be his best.
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