“He was my nightmare” - Ex-Premier League defender suggests Colombian forward was tougher opponent than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
William Troost-Ekong has suggested that Colombian forward Duvan Zapata was a tougher opponent than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The former Premier League defender notably faced Messi in the 2018 FIFA World Cup while on international duty with Nigeria. He also faced Ronaldo in Serie A and the Premier League when he played for Udinese and Watford, respectively.
When recently asked about the best forward he has ever faced, Troost-Ekong did not pick either legendary player. The Al-Kholood defender said on talkSPORT's Hawksbee and Jacobs (via GOAL):
“There was one striker at Atalanta called Duvan Zapata, a Colombian striker, and it was in 2019, and I just couldn’t get near him.
“Too strong, too fast, a great finisher, and just his awareness in the box. I think he scored quite a lot of goals against me that season, and he was my nightmare, my nemesis. I would have to give it to him, but there’s too many great strikers to name, to be honest.”
Duvan Zapata has spent much of his career playing in Italy for clubs like Atalanta, Udinese, Napoli, and Sampdoria, and currently is with Torino. The 33-year-old striker has racked up 172 goals and 68 assists in 466 games in his club career. He has also made 34 caps for Colombia, scoring four goals.
William Troost-Ekong compares Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
William Troost-Ekong has compared Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, having played against the two legends. In his only match against Messi, Nigeria lost 2-1, with the Argentine playmaker scoring a brilliant effort.
The former Premier League defender was full of praise for Lionel Messi, revealing how impressive the 37-year-old had been that day. He told talkSPORT (via GOAL):
"One word, probably unplayable. It was something special. You find yourself standing there thinking: ‘God, this bloke's good!'
"I think when he scored the opening goal against us, it was like it was in slow motion. You couldn't really do anything, you just had to watch it. And close to cheering because it was fantastic. And then you remember you're on the other team.”
He also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo, comparing the two players:
"It's a different quality. You can really see that he's [Messi] just reading the game. And when it comes to life, then there's not much you can do.”
Troost-Ekong did not pick between the two players though, as he is set to face Ronaldo and Al-Nassr in March 2025:
“This is difficult to say. I'll probably have to face Ronaldo again later this year. I don't want to get him mad.”
Cristiano Ronaldo now plays in Saudi Arabia, where he won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 with Al-Nassr. Lionel Messi plays in the USA with Inter Miami, where he has won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024.