Harry Kane And Edinson Cavani Both Agree On Toughest Defender They've Faced

Harry Kane and Edinson Cavani both think the same defender is the toughest player they've come up against, so it's difficult to argue with either of them.

Kane is arguably the best striker in the world, although Robert Lewandowski for one would have something to say about that, with some even claiming they'd back him to score over Cristiano Ronaldo.

Whilst the Tottenham Hotspur striker still has plenty of time to go in his career, Cavani is closer towards the end of his but has spent the past 13 years playing in Europe's best competitions.

Between the pair, they've come up against many of the best defenders in this generation and they're both in agreement that Giorgio Chiellini is the toughest of the lot.

Speaking in a Q&A on the United website, Cavani was asked who his toughest opponent has been, saying, "You can imagine that I’ve played against lots of different opponents, and lots of tough ones too.

"But I’ve always said, and for a long time now, that the most difficult defender I’ve come up against was Giorgio Chiellini.

"We’ve played against each other in many games, and we’ve competed against each other all over the pitch, so yes I can tell you that Giorgio Chiellini has been the toughest defender I’ve had to face."

Chiellini celebrates winning Euro 2020 with teammate Leonardo Bonucci. Image: PA Images

You might have thought that Kane's claims about the 37-year-old would have come after facing him in Italy's Euro 2020 final victory over England in the summer, but the Spurs forward has held his opinion for a while.

Back in 2018, the Three Lions captain was asked in an interview with the Guardian who his toughest opponent was. "I've been asked a few times to name the toughest defender I've played against and I've said Chiellini. I've faced him a couple of times," Kane said.

"I'd also say John Terry.

"Chiellini is very experienced. He uses his body well and his positioning well. When you try to make runs, he knows when to step across you. He knows when to give you a little nudge to put you off balance.

"He obviously knows when to come tight and get up your backside and also when to drop off. It's the experienced defenders that are the most difficult because they know where to be at the right times."

Chiellini certainly made things tough for Kane in July. Image: PA Images

Chiellini's performances in the Euros did lead to one suggestion he should be in the running for this season's Ballon d'Or, along with Jorginho and Lionel Messi.

Having not won Serie A or the Champions League with Juventus last season that seems highly unlikely.

Topics: Football, Premier League, Edinson Cavani, Giorgio Chiellini

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

@Sidler28