Cesc Fabregas overlooked Cristiano Ronaldo when naming the most challenging adversary he’s encountered on the field.
Fabregas, heralded as one of his era’s premier midfielders, had the privilege of playing for several remarkable teams.
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Emerging into the spotlight with Arsenal, he later joined the ranks of a legendary Barcelona squad, secured the Premier League title twice with Chelsea, and triumphed in two European Championships and a World Cup with the Spanish national team.
Throughout his tenure with these elite clubs, Fabregas faced a host of formidable opponents.
During his time in the Premier League with Arsenal and Chelsea, he encountered a gamut of world-class talent, ranging from esteemed defenders to iconic forwards.
While Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as a notable adversary during Fabregas’s stint at Arsenal, coinciding with Ronaldo’s ascent to the zenith of his career at Manchester United.
Ronaldo’s accolades include three Premier League crowns and a Champions League title with United before his transfer to Real Madrid, where he cemented his legacy as one of history’s most prolific goal scorers.
Yet, in a candid conversation with SPORTbible, Fabregas revealed that Ronaldo did not pose the greatest challenge he faced in England.
Instead, that distinction goes to Liverpool’s revered Steven Gerrard, against whom Fabregas had numerous memorable midfield confrontations.
“I always felt he had everything in his locker,” Fabregas said of Gerrard.
“He could dictate play, he could score goals, do assists, make runs in behind. Offensively he was very strong.
“You always felt that when you were coming up against him you had to be at the top of your game otherwise you would be in trouble, because he was very consistent.
“He was always and eight, seven, eight, seven [out of 10]. “For me he was a role model and someone, looking back, I really appreciate playing against. I learned a lot from him.”
Numerous supporters and analysts are of the opinion that Gerrard’s trophy cabinet would have been more abundant had he not devoted the majority of his playing days to Liverpool.
Nevertheless, his steadfast commitment to the club where he began his journey did not hinder his ascent to becoming a legendary figure in the sport.
