"I could say Messi or Ronaldo, but for me they are from a different planet" - Rudiger names Manchester City icon as toughest opponent

Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger has stated Sergio Aguero was the toughest opponent he has played against, while adding that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are from a different planet. Rudiger played against the Manchester City legend on multiple occasions during his time with Chelsea in the Premier League.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most respected players in the world due to their achievements and long-standing rivalry in the beautiful game. Rudiger played against Ronaldo after the latter returned to Manchester United for his second spell and he was still at Chelsea. He also played against the diminutive Argentine while at Chelsea, when the latter was at Barcelona.

In an interview with The Inside Scoop on YouTube, Rudiger was asked the best player he’s played against, to which he responded:

"For me, the striker who gave me a lot of headache was Kun Aguero. That guy was really tough to play against, really tough. Like, I could say Messi or Ronaldo, but for me, they are from a different planet, so we go with human beings."

Rudiger was also asked the best player he has played with, to which he said:

"No, Karim Benzema. I could say, I could have said a lot. You know I could have mentioned Luka Modric, like Tony Kroos and Eden Hazard, but I have to go with Karim Benzema because he was a hell of a striker. His intelligence is wow! World Class."

Frank Lampard says Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are on the same level

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard believes Lionel Messi is not superior to Cristiano Ronaldo, nor is the Portuguese icon greater than his Argentine rival. Lampard acknowledged the abilities of both players and showered them with praise.

In an interview with Diario AS, Lampard was asked if he was a Messi or Ronaldo fan or both. In response, the former Chelsea great said:

"I don’t like this conversation. I’ve played against both. More Cristiano Ronaldo when he was at Manchester United. For some reason, against Real Madrid we didn’t face each other in a match. Messi, I played against a lot in some big games between Barcelona and Chelsea. Messi, for me individually for talent is the greatest ever probably in my opinion."

"But with Cristiano Ronaldo, what he did in terms of what he made himself and the numbers and output and goals and dedication and hunger and even now to this time means that they are just there together. I have to respect them both in the same way. I don’t think it’s a fair to try and put one above the other. They’ve been the most amazing payers."