Former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has picked Nigeria’s Taribo West as the toughest opponent of his career.
The World Cup winner is the Gunners’ all-time goal scorer and was renowned for wreaking havoc on defences for club and country during his professional career which spanned over two decades.
Henry has pitted his wits against some of the world’s best centre-halves and full-backs during his active career, but he claims that the former Super Eagles star gave him his most difficult examination.
Pressed to name the hardest opponent he has faced, the current Belgium national team assistant coach said on CBSS Sports Golazo:
“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.
“Because [at Auxerre], they did man-marking. He followed you everywhere, even in the dressing room.”
During his spell at AS Monaco, the Frenchman came up against West who was representing AJ Auxerre.
Following Henry’s move to Juventus, he came up against the defensive lynchpin again, who was plying his trade at Inter Milan having joined the Italians on a four-year contract in June 1997.
