Former Premier League goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has unexpectedly named Andy Carroll, often labelled a Liverpool ‘flop,’ as the toughest opponent he’s ever faced, even above football legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luis Suarez.
Begovic’s extensive career spans over 250 appearances in the English topflight, as well as stints in the Champions League and Europa League.
He played for notable clubs such as Chelsea, Stoke City, Bournemouth, and Everton. His international career saw him earn 63 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite his encounters with some of the world’s best forwards, including Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez, and Sergio Aguero, it was Carroll who left a lasting impression on him.
Carroll Is The Toughest For Begovic
During an interview with talkSPORT, the 37-year-old Begovic, currently a free agent after playing in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers, reflected on the formidable strikers he had faced.
“You’ve got the usual suspects, I’ve played against some of the best strikers – especially in Premier League history.
Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez, those sorts of players that can do everything.
But actually from a physical point of view, the likes of Andy Carroll.”
Carroll joined Liverpool for a hefty fee in 2011 but struggled to meet expectations. He scored just 11 goals in 58 appearances and was noted by Begovic for his imposing physical presence.
Despite his time at Anfield, Carroll’s style of play posed unique challenges. Begovic elaborated on the difficulty of dealing with Carroll’s aerial skills.
“When a high ball comes and you’re challenging with them, no matter if you’ve got your hands there, they are such big guys.
A great spring, they were always very difficult and very much a handful. Not just for myself, but also for the defenders.”
Now playing in France with Ligue 2 side Amiens, Carroll’s career has seen its ups and downs.
However, Begovic’s remarks highlight a different perspective on Carroll’s abilities. He talked about the difficulties Carroll presented on the field rather than his goal-scoring record.
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