Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that former Chelsea man Eden Hazard is the toughest opponent he has faced in his Premier League career to date.
Hazard was sold to Real Madrid for £100million in the summer of 2019 - at the same time a huge sigh of relief was heard emanating from every defender in the Premier League.
Upon leaving Stamford Bridge, the Belgian had 110 goals to his name and a further 92 assists in 352 games.
It is easy to see why he is rated so highly on Merseyside too. In 18 appearances against Liverpool, Hazard scored seven goals, including one during his time with Lille - more than he has managed against any other side.
Alexander-Arnold was tasked with marking the left-winger during Chelsea's clash with the Reds at Stamford Bridge in the Belgian's final season in England and, after finding the net in the 1-1 draw, it is no surprise a mark was left.
"Hazard. Eden Hazard. The best I've probably by a little bit of a distance," Alexander-Arnold said when asked the question by Amazon Prime Sport.
"Maybe Kevin De Bruyne, but directly against an opponent would have to be Hazard. Speed, agility, his awareness, his intelligence on and off the ball is unreal."
The respect held for Hazard by the defender is evident, considering he has not let a tricky spell in Spain dampen his admiration for the ex-Blue.
Injuries have plagued the 30-year-old in Madrid and he now finds himself well down Carlo Ancelotti's pecking order, sparking rumours that a return to west London could be on the cards.
Being the toughest opponent Alexander-Arnold has faced is no mean feat, even if he is still just 23-years-old.
The young star has now faced incredible attacking talent like Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero, Jamie Vardy and Romelu Lukaku.
But Eden Hazard has always been special.
