He could do it all — Cesc Fabregas snubs Ronaldo, Messi, names toughest ever opponent

He could do it all — Cesc Fabregas snubs Ronaldo, Messi, names toughest ever opponent

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 08:40 - 24.04.2025

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has named the most difficult opponent he faced throughout his career.

Cesc Fabregas is one of the best midfielders of the modern era, and one of the greatest passers the game has ever seen.

The ex-Arsenal man had the privilege of playing with and against several iconic players throughout his time at the top.

He won the Premier League twice with Chelsea in 2015 and 2017 after failing to win it during his time with Arsenal.

However, despite facing stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and more, Fabregas insists Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was his toughest opponent.

Cesc Fabregas is a Chelsea legend

Fabregas hais Gerrard as toughest opponent

Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard with the 2005 UEFA Champions League trophy | Imago

Across his two spells in English football, Fabregas went toe to toe with countless high-class players who have since gone down as legends, but the 2010 World Cup winner believes Gerrard shone above the rest.

"I always felt he had everything in his locker," Fabregas told SPORTbible when asked to name the toughest player he faced in the Premier League.

"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."

Fabregas never won the Champions League but is one of only 13 players to win the European Championships on two occasions after triumphing in 2008 and 2012.

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