Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger named Lionel Messi as the 'best ever' among the greatest XI of players he has faced in his career.
In an interview with Sky Sports in 2020, Rudiger detailed his eye-opening choices, detailing how and why he chose them.
He included a number of Premier League opponents in his squad, as well as Messi (now at PSG) and Cristiano Ronaldo (now at Real Madrid).
'If I had to pick one, it would be Messi,' Rudiger replied when asked who is the best of the two.
Is he the greatest of all time? Because I wasn't around at the time, I didn't see Pele or Diego Maradona play, so it's Messi.'He has, however, settled any squabbles in the top flight, having chosen five of his peers as well as a slew of prominent personalities from around the world.
Rudiger chose Manuer Neuer, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, to play in goal.
In 2014, his compatriot praised him as 'unbeatable,' saying the goalkeeper 'took everything' during a spectacular performance against Algeria at the World Cup.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been selected as right back.
'With his tackles, this man is tough to beat - his slide tackle is incredible,' Rudiger remarked.
'He's coming along nicely, and I like him a lot.'Meanwhile, at centre defence, Sergio Ramos and Virgil van Dijk create a strong pairing, with the former dubbed a 'commanding defender.'
'Beast' Van Dijk, on the other hand, has reportedly helped Rudiger 'learn something' as he continues to be a rock for Liverpool.
Andy Robertson, Van Dijk's Anfield teammate, fills in at left back.
Andres Iniesta, N'Golo Kante, and Kevin De Bruyne were chosen for the midfield.
'I played against him in Germany,' Rudiger remarked of Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne. 'It was horrible to play against Wolfsburg back then because they were such a tough club with such good players, and of course he was the greatest in that team.' 'He has everything; his crossing, passing, the way he shoots on both feet, and his technical ability - he is really, really brilliant.'
Rudiger finished off his star-studded 4-3-3 formation by placing Messi on the right flank, Ronaldo on the left, and Sergio Aguero in the centre. 'When you're playing against Messi, the sense you get is that it's all up to him,' Rudiger added, praising Messi even more. You can't stop him if he's in a good mood or having a good day. That is my genuine viewpoint.'
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