Russian football icon Andrei Arshavin has namedthe toughest opponents he faced during his successful football career. He was asked about his toughest opponents in an exclusive interview with 888Sport. According to him, the Manchester United central defensive duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are his toughest opponents.
Andrei Arshavin was a Premier League player for four years between 2009 and 2013 in the colours of the Gunners and he came up against Vidic and Ferdinand. The centre back partnership between Ferdinand and Vidic was impenetrable according to Andrei Arshavin.
North London giants Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Andrei Arshavin after he impressed for his country, Russia, at the 2008 edition of the European Championships. He was a key player for the Russia team that got to the semi-finals of that tournament before they were beaten by the Germans.
The Gunners didn't get their man until January 2009 when he moved to the club from Zenit St. Petersburg in his native Russia. Arsenal were reported to have paid a then club-record fee of £15m for his transfer. He came up against Ferdinand and Vidic on several occasions during his time in North London.
The Vidic and Ferdinand partnership is up there in terms of the best centre back pairings in the Premier League era. The two Manchester United legends formed a potent partnership to lead the Red Devils to several trophies including the 2007/08 Champions League title. During their time together at the heart of defence, Manchester United also won five Premier League titles.
Andrei Arshavin was also asked about the best manager he worked with and the Russian football legend opted for the Dutch duo of Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat ahead of his Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger. Arshavin said he played his best football under Hiddink and Advocaat in the Russian national team.
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