Thierry Henry Includes African Football Icon Among Toughest Opponents He Faced In His Career

• Thierry Henry has revealed former Super Eagles defender Taribo West was a tough defender to play against
• West had spells in France and Italy during his playing days and former Arsenal star Henry claims the Nigerian was difficult to face
• According to Henry, former Man United midfielder Paul Scholes also showed brilliance, saying he did not like playing against him

Former France international and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has named ex-Nigerian defender Taribo West as one of his two toughest opponents, Mirror reports.

Henry also named former England star Paul Scholes as the other tough opponent he faced in his football career before he retired.

The Frenchman was a dominant figure in the Premier League, but before then he had spells with clubs in Italy as well as in his native France.

During his time with the Gunners, Henry guided the north London club to two league titles in a time Manchester United had a flurry of talents under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Marcus Thuram player profile: Borussia, injury, contracts

Football

Scholes, who was at the time one of the best midfielders in the world featured for the Red Devils and scored several goals against Arsenal.

Although Henry did not face off one-on-one with Scholes, the former Arsenal man still appreciated the former midfielder’s brilliance.

He was asked to name the defender that he disliked so much for giving him a tough time on the pitch and despite facing the likes of Jaap Stam, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, and Sergio Ramos, Henry chose Nigeria’s Taribo West.

The former Super Eagles defender featured for French club Auxerre, Italian sides Inter Milan and AC Milan during the 1990s, before enjoying a brief loan spell in England with Derby in 2000.

Henry said on CBSS Sports Golazo via GOAL:

“Toughest as indirect opponent? Or just a guy you don’t like to play against? Paul Scholes.

“For direct opponent, I would go back in the days - Taribo West.

AFCON 2022: start date, fixtures, groups, teams to watch out for, venues

Football

“Because [at Auxerre], they did man-marking. He followed you everywhere, even in the dressing room.”

West's exploits in France earned him a move to Italy when Serie A was regarded as the best league in the world.

Scholes predicts Man United vs Liverpool

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported Paul Scholes has given Man United no chance of overcoming Liverpool ahead of the two EPL heavyweights' meeting on Sunday, October 24.

United are scheduled to host Jurgen Klopp's charges at Old Trafford in what promises to be a cracking match.

The encounter will come after the Red Devils' thrilling comeback win over Atalanta in the Champions League.

Despite their clear show of resilience, Scholes reckons they will not overcome Liverpool - at least going by their performance against Atalanta, especially in the first half.