Conor Gallagher names Cristiano Ronaldo and 2 Manchester City stars as the toughest opponents he's faced
Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher has named Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri as the toughest opponents he's faced in his career. The 24-year-old played against the three superstars during his stint in the Premier League where he featured for clubs like Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, and Crystal Palace.
During a recent interview with ESPN, Gallagher was asked to name his three toughest opponents and why. The Englishman mentioned Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne, saying the Belgian is one of the best midfielders of his generation. He also mentioned Rodri, citing that he has had several tough battles with the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
Gallagher then named Ronaldo as one of his toughest adversaries. However, he pointed out that he did not face the Portuguese legend during his peak.
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Kevin De Bruyne has been the engine room of Manchester City's attack for the past couple of years and has helped the club win multiple trophies.
Likewise, Rodri is one of the Cityzens' most instrumental players. His performances in recent seasons have earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the game, subsequently winning him the Ballon d'Or this year.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is one of football's greatest-ever players. The 39-year-old has won five Ballons d'Or and is the record goalscorer in men's football with 916 career goals.
Gallagher has faced De Bruyne six times (one win, three draws, two losses) and played against Rodri eight times (one win, four draws, three losses). His only meeting with Ronaldo so far was a 1-0 loss while playing for Crystal Palace during the 2021-22 season.
The England international completed a 45 million move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in the summer. In 20 games for the LaLiga outfit, he has recorded two goals and an assist.
When Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne opened up on wanting to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne once said he would love to play with Cristiano Ronaldo instead of his rival Lionel Messi. In 2023, when asked who among the two football greats would he love to play alongside, De Bruyne said (via SPORTBible):
"I would probably say Ronaldo because he’s more of a typical striker. Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker."
De Bryune has also been linked with a move to Al-Nassr where Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays. The Belgian is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad and has yet to pen a new deal.