I've played against Premier League royalty as a goalkeeper, but Cristiano Ronaldo left me in no doubt
Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has faced his fair share of iconic Premier League strikers, but only one name stands out as the toughest he has ever faced.
Begovic has made 256 Premier League appearances during his time at Ports of the city, Stoke City, Chelsea, Bournemouth and the Toffees, keeping 65 clean sheets during that time.
Throughout his career, the 37-year-old has frustrated some of the best strikers to ever grace English football's top flight.
Begovic has also been fortunate to be in the same team as some of them, especially during his two seasons at Stamford Bridge.
But only one superstar stood out for the Bosnian when asked by the talkSPORT presenter and former Portsmouth teammate Jamie O'Hara to name the toughest opponent he has faced.
“The best I played against was Cristiano Ronaldo“Begovic told talkSPORT.
“It was very difficult to stop it. There was no way out of it.”
Begovic was also mentioned Manchester City legend Sergio Aguerowho scored 184 Premier League goals for the club.
He added: “It was never easy to play against Agüero.”
There was another star who Begovic said deserved praise, even if his Premier League career fizzled a bit.
“One I have to mention was Fernando Torres“, Begovic said.
“He was incredibly powerful. In those first steps, he just swept people away. He and (Luis) Suarez in Liverpool“One after another it was not easy.”
2
O'Hara also asked Begovic to name the best forwards he has played with and the goalkeeper added a few surprises.
“Peter Crouch“Those Stoke lads had some good years,” Begovic said.
“Diego Costa At Chelsea it was pretty spectacular. Dominic Calvert-Lewin Here (at Everton), Richarlison“A great player.”
Begovic hopes Calvert-Lewin can rediscover the form that saw him score 29 goals in 69 games during the 19-20 and 20-21 seasons amid Everton's dismal start to the campaign.
The Toffees have lost all three of their games and conceded 10 goals, with their most recent defeat coming 3-2 at Bournemouth, when they were 2-0 up after 87 minutes.
JOIN THE DUGOUT
Have your say on all things talkSPORT by joining 'THE DUGOUT' – our new panel of listeners.
Our aim is to take a deeper look at your perspectives and make sure talkSPORT is the best it can be. Your voice matters and we want to hear it!
Present your innovative ideas and participate in fun locker room polls, surveys and debates.
Just by joining, you'll be entered into a draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers, and you'll be entered into another draw for every survey you complete afterwards.
To join 'The DUGOUT' panel, please Click here.
