Rio Ferdinand has named Sergio Aguero as one of the toughest strikers he ever faced during his career.
The former Manchester United centre-back picked Aguero amongst several other legendary strikers across Europe during an interview with The Obi One Podcast.
Nathan Ake had also reflected on how much of a challenge it was to go toe-to-toe with the Argentine goalscorer during his time at AFC Bournemouth.
Rio Ferdinand names Sergio Aguero as one of the toughest strikers he has ever faced
The pair came up against on several occasions between 2011 and 2014 for their respective Manchester clubs as the Manchester City hitman scored four times against Manchester United in the Premier League during that period.
Aguero notably scored a brace during Ferdinand’s last season at Old Trafford, when City demolished United 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Rio Ferdinand recalled some of his toughest-ever opponents who played up top and eventually mentioned Sergio Aguero.
“I don’t know if [I had] sleepless nights but all of the big players, you spend extra care and attention the night before. The Thierry Henry’s, the primetime Nicolas Anelka, the [Robin] Van Persie’s when he was at Arsenal, the [Dennis] Bergkamp’s, the Ronaldo’s, the Raul’s, these guys, like [Karim] Benzema.”
John Obi Mikel replied, [Sergio] Aguero?”
Rio Ferdinand answered, “Aguero! Wow. You look at these guys and think, ‘I’ve got to be on it’, like [Carlos] Tevez, I’ve got to be on it.”
Shows how dangerous Sergio Aguero was
The fact that one of, if not the greatest defender in Premier League history in Rio Ferdinand had a tough time facing Sergio Aguero is a testament to how outstanding a striker he was.
Future generations will have missed out on watching the ex-Atletico Madrid number nine, who was in his prime at the Etihad Stadium.
Aguero gave defenders nightmares in both Spain and England especially due to his perfect blend of impeccable skill, searing pace and an eye for goal and the English centre-half was no different.
Even when Rio Ferdinand was a class apart during the 2011/2012 season when both Manchester clubs were battling it out for the Premier League title, Sergio Aguero found a way to score past his side during City’s unforgettable 6-1 demolition job of the Red Devils.
