A few days after Liverpool striker Fernando Torres had tormented him in the Premier League, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand chose to instead highlight the attacking virtues of Real Madrid’s Raul, Bolton’s Kevin Davies and his former West Ham teammate John Hartson as three of his toughest opponents. On current form some would argue many would have the beating of the ex-Leeds United stalwart, however Ferdinand believes it is the movement of Raul, and the physicality of the two other aforementioned forwards that make them such fearsome opponents.
Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News: “There's always a different threat with different players,”
“Raul in the Champions League is one of the hardest I have to play against. He doesn't play against you, he plays away from you. He asks you to come and mark him or let him hurt you with his passing.”
“In training, John Hartson was ridiculous,”
“You'd train with him and get eight studs in your ear. On a Friday, he'd attack you from all angles.”
“Kevin Davies is difficult to play against - very physical.”
“But there's not one player in particular who sticks out.”