Dominic Calvert-Lewin says £34m player Chelsea let go was so hard to play against

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has played against some of the best defenders in Premier League history during his time at Everton.

From Virgil van Dijk to Ruben Dias, Calvert-Lewin has faced off against the best of the best.

Now, speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel, Calvert-Lewin has named who the toughest defender he’s ever faced is, and, interestingly, he chose a former Chelsea player.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s toughest opponent

The Everton striker claimed that Antonio Rudiger was the hardest defender to play against.

“Who’s the hardest defender you have come up against in your time in the Premier League?

“I’d probably say Toni Rudiger. He’s not playing in the Prem now, but he was very aggressive and I knew when I came up against him it would be a tough day. You see the way he plays now, so aggressive, I think he’s a very good defender,” Calvert-Lewin said.

Antonio Rudiger must be a nightmare

We can only sympathise with Calvert-Lewin here.

Antonio Rudiger may not be the most technically gifted defender the Premier League has ever seen, but he must’ve been an absolute nightmare to play against.

Strength, speed, aerial ability, Rudiger had all of the attributes that a player like Calvert-Lewin would struggle to deal with.

The German remains a world-class player to this day – hence why he’s thriving at Real Madrid, but, for a while he was one of the best defenders in England during his time at Chelsea.

At £34m, Rudiger is one of the best signings Chelsea have made in recent years, and who knows? Perhaps if they could’ve convinced him to sign a new contract perhaps they wouldn’t be in the mess they’re in right now.

Rudiger is one of the toughest defenders in world football and we certainly don’t envy any striker who has to come up against him.