Former Liverpool forward Djibril Cisse has revealed that Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic was a tougher opponent than both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. The Frenchman faced all three defenders during his Premier League career with Liverpool, Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers.
Cisse's verdict on the Premier League's best defenders
Speaking to Mr Gamble, Cisse said: "I'd say Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic were my hardest opponents. John Terry too."
"They were defenders without many weaknesses. My main strength was pace, so I tried to beat them with that, but they were quick as well. They were aggressive, strong in the air and strong in duels on the ground. It was tough playing against them. But Vidic, I think Vidic was the hardest."
Limited success against the defensive titans
Cisse scored only one goal against the trio. That came in 2012, a late consolation for QPR in a 6-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Terry on the opposing side.
Ferdinand and Terry are often considered the two greatest defenders ever to play in English football's top flight, having won 11 Premier League titles between them.
Ferdinand's ranking sparks feud
Ferdinand, however, does not place Terry at the top of his own list. In 2022, an online dispute erupted when Ferdinand ranked Terry fifth, placing himself first, followed by Vidic, Virgil van Dijk and Jaap Stam.
Terry responded with graphics showing statistics that put him at or near the top. Ferdinand then reacted angrily, referencing the racism controversy in which Terry was found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother, Anton.
Ferdinand tweeted: "The moment one has to start pushing their own records and stats it's really time to start addressing the fragile ego. Your lucky I even put you in the top 5 after the racism case with my brother so be thankful you made it."
