Antonio Rudiger, a prominent figure in modern football, is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world today.

His journey through the sport has seen him make significant contributions at various clubs, including AS Roma, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.

Rudiger’s impressive accolades include winning the Champions League with Chelsea and further glory with Real Madrid, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier defender.

In 2020, while he was establishing himself at Chelsea, Rudiger was asked by Sky Sports to name the best XI of footballers he had ever faced.

His selections were noteworthy, showcasing the incredible talent he had encountered throughout his career.

Among those he chose was Manuel Neuer, the iconic German goalkeeper.

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Rudiger described Neuer as “unbeatable” during his peak years around 2014.

He acknowledged the presence of other talented goalkeepers he had played with, such as Alisson Becker, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Bernd Leno, but emphasized that Neuer stood out above them all.

For any German footballer, naming Neuer in their team is almost a given, reflecting the goalkeeper’s extraordinary impact on the game.

Next on Rudiger’s list was Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the Manchester United right-back known for his exceptional defensive skills.

Rudiger praised Wan-Bissaka’s tackling ability, particularly his sliding tackles, which he deemed “amazing.”

He noted that Wan-Bissaka was progressing well in his career and expressed admiration for the young defender’s potential.

After leaving Manchester United for West Ham in 2024, Wan-Bissaka has continued to showcase his abilities, proving Rudiger’s early recognition of his talent was well-founded.

Sergio Ramos, the legendary Spanish centre-back, was another notable inclusion in Rudiger’s lineup.

Rudiger emphasized Ramos’s defensive prowess and his importance during offensive set pieces.

He described Ramos as a commanding defender and acknowledged his remarkable skills both defensively and offensively.

With both players sharing a connection through Real Madrid, it is no surprise that Rudiger holds Ramos in high regard as an inspiration in his own career.

Virgil van Dijk, often hailed as one of the best defenders in the world, was also selected by Rudiger.

Rudiger commended Van Dijk’s performances over the past couple of years, asserting that he is “definitely one of the best, maybe the best at the moment.”

He acknowledged the learning opportunities presented by watching such elite defenders, highlighting the importance of studying different playing styles to improve one’s game.

Andrew Robertson, the Scottish left-back for Liverpool, made the cut as well.

Rudiger praised Robertson’s relentless work ethic and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.

He pointed out that Robertson’s stamina and crossing ability make him a vital player for Liverpool, especially during their successful campaigns in recent years.

The midfield was anchored by N’Golo Kanté, a player renowned for his tireless efforts and defensive capabilities.

Rudiger expressed admiration for Kanté’s ability to be everywhere on the pitch, stating that he “loves to tackle” and thrives in competitive situations.

Kanté’s contributions to Chelsea’s Champions League success and his pivotal role in Leicester City’s historic Premier League win further underscore his status as one of the best defensive midfielders in football history.

Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian maestro, was another standout selection in Rudiger’s XI.

Rudiger recalled facing De Bruyne during his time in Germany, describing it as a challenging experience due to the midfielder’s exceptional skill set.

He highlighted De Bruyne’s crossing, passing, and shooting abilities, noting that he was undoubtedly the best player in the Wolfsburg team at that time.

Andres Iniesta, the Spanish legend and Barcelona icon, was also included in Rudiger’s best XI.

Rudiger recognized Iniesta as one of the greatest midfielders in history, emphasizing his pivotal role in Spain’s World Cup triumph and Barcelona’s dominance during his career.

Facing a player of Iniesta’s caliber is a testament to the level of competition Rudiger has encountered throughout his career.

The attacking trio in Rudiger’s lineup featured Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sergio Agüero, three of the most prolific forwards in football history.

Rudiger described Messi as an unstoppable force when he is in peak form, stating that the outcome of a match often hinges on Messi’s performance.

He acknowledged Messi’s unique ability to change the game single-handedly, reinforcing the Argentine’s status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Cristiano Ronaldo was also lauded by Rudiger, who admitted that if he had to pick between the two legends, he would choose Messi as the best player ever.

Rudiger’s admiration for Ronaldo is evident, but he ultimately believes that Messi’s impact on the game sets him apart.

Finally, Sergio Agüero rounded out Rudiger’s best XI.

Rudiger faced Agüero multiple times in the Premier League and acknowledged the Argentine’s ability to consistently trouble defenders.

Despite losing most encounters with Agüero early in his career, Rudiger managed to come out victorious in their final two meetings, including a memorable Champions League victory in May 2021.

In conclusion, Antonio Rudiger’s selections for the best XI of toughest opponents provide a fascinating insight into the caliber of players he has faced throughout his career.

From the legendary Manuel Neuer to the incomparable Lionel Messi, Rudiger’s choices reflect the high level of competition in modern football.

Each player he selected has left an indelible mark on the sport, and their skills have undoubtedly influenced Rudiger’s development as a defender.

As Rudiger continues his journey in football, his experiences against these elite players will serve as valuable lessons, shaping his approach to the game.

The admiration he holds for these players is a testament to the respect that exists among athletes at the highest level of competition.

In a sport defined by rivalry and competition, Rudiger’s acknowledgment of his toughest opponents highlights the camaraderie that underpins football, reminding us that even the fiercest competitors can appreciate the talents of their peers.

As he moves forward in his career, Rudiger’s encounters with these players will undoubtedly fuel his ambition to reach even greater heights in the world of football.