Who’s Tougher Than Messi and Ronaldo? Troost-Ekong Reveals His Pick
Troost-Ekong: Zapata, Not Messi or ronaldo, Was My Toughest Opponent
Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong has faced some of the biggest names in football, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano ronaldo, but he says the toughest forward he’s ever encountered is Atalanta’s Duván Zapata.
Troost-Ekong, who currently plays for Watford in the English Championship, has had a career that has seen him line up against some of the world’s best. He’s faced Messi during his time with Udinese in Serie A and Ronaldo while playing for Watford against Manchester United in the Premier League.”Messi is a genius,” Troost-Ekong admitted. “He’s just on another level. But Ronaldo, for me, is more of a physical specimen. He relies more on his athleticism and power.”
However, when asked who gave him the most trouble on the pitch, Troost-Ekong didn’t hesitate. “Zapata,” he said. “He’s just so strong and powerful. He’s a nightmare too play against.”
The Colombian striker, known for his physicality and clinical finishing, has been a consistent threat in Serie A for several years. Troost-Ekong’s experience facing him during his time in Italy clearly left a lasting impression.
Interestingly, Troost-Ekong is set to face Ronaldo again in March when watford takes on Ronaldo’s al-Nassr in a friendly match in the Saudi Pro League. It will be a chance for the Nigerian defender to test himself against the Portuguese superstar once more.
Facing Giants: troost-Ekong Rates Zapata as His Toughest Opponent
nigerian international and Watford defender William Troost-Ekong has locked horns with some of football’s biggest names, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Though, when asked to name his toughest opponent, a surprising name emerges: Atalanta’s Duván Zapata.
“Messi is a genius,” Troost-Ekong concedes, “He’s just on another level. But Ronaldo, for me, is more of a physical specimen. He relies more on his athleticism and power.”
Despite the immense talent he’s faced, Troost-Ekong’s statement reflects the profound impact Zapata has had on him.
“Zapata,” he affirms, “He’s just so strong and powerful. He’s a nightmare to play against.”
Known for his formidable physique and lethal finishing, the Colombian striker has been a consistent threat in Serie A.Troost-Ekong’s experience facing him during his time in Italy clearly left a lasting impression.
Interestingly, Troost-Ekong is set for a rematch against Ronaldo in March when Watford faces Al-Nassr in a pleasant. This encounter in the Saudi Pro League will offer the Nigerian defender another possibility to test himself against the Portuguese icon.