I played against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – but dreaded facing ex-West Ham striker the most
07/25/2024 03:07 PM
Goalkeepers make a living out of stopping strikers from getting on the score sheet – no matter the level of opponent.
Whether that is facing two of the best goalscorers ever in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, it makes no difference for goalkeepers – just get out there and do your job.
But for Asmir Begovic, he would take either of them over Andy Carroll, who always gave the former Chelsea, Stoke and Portsmouth star a tough time.
When asked who he dreaded facing in his career, Begovic told talkSPORT: “You’ve got the usual suspects, I’ve played against some of the best strikers – especially in Premier League history.
“Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez, those sorts of players that can do everything.
“But actually from a physical point of view, the likes of Andy Carroll.
“When a high ball comes and you’re challenging with them, no matter if you’ve got your hands there, they are such big guys.
“A great spring, they were always very difficult and very much a handful.
“Not just for myself, but also for the defenders.”
Nine-cap England international Carroll, who scored against Sweden at Euro 2012, is still making a nuisance of himself.
Andy Carroll's career so far
Newcastle – 2006-2011
- 33 goals in 91 games
- 2010 Championship winner
Preston North End – Loan spell [2007/08 season]
- One goal in 12 games
Liverpool – 2011-2013 – £35million transfer
- 11 goals in 58 games
- 2012 League Cup champion
- 2012 FA Cup finalist [scored in 2-1 final defeat against Chelsea]
West Ham – 2013 [after initial loan spell] – 2019 – £15m transfer
- 34 goals in 142 games
Newcastle – 2019-2021 – Free transfer
- One goal in 43 games
Reading – First half of 2021/22 season – Free transfer
- Two goals in eight games
West Brom – Second half of 2012/22 season – Free transfer
- Three goals in 15 games
Reading – 2022-2023 – Free transfer
- Nine goals in 34 games
Amiens – 2023-present – Free transfer
- Four goals in 31 games
England national team – 2010-2012
- Two goals in nine games
He is currently plying his trade in France at Ligue 2 side Amiens, having played for West Ham, Newcastle, Reading and West Brom in the Premier League and Championship.
While his £35million move to Liverpool might not have worked out, it is easy to forget why the Reds were happy to fork out that amount in the first place.
The Gateshead-born star was almost unbeatable in the air, standing at 6ft4, and was not afraid to try the spectacular as well, including his jaw-dropping overhead goal against Crystal Palace while playing for West Ham.
As for Begovic, while Carroll gave him a headache, facing Messi and Ronaldo was something he savoured.
Starring for Bosnia between the sticks at the 2014 World Cup, he conceded to Messi in a 2-1 loss to Argentina in the group stage.
As for Ronaldo, he faced the five-time Ballon d’Or twice in a Euro 2012 play-off, with the former Manchester United star firing twice in the second leg.
“Those were great memories, tough, tough challenges for sure,” he said of playing against the iconic duo.
“I played against Messi once in the [2014] World Cup against Argentina [2-1 defeat] which was an incredible experience.
“And then Ronaldo at the absolute peak of his powers [Euro 2012 play-offs].
“They were in the prime of their careers and were unstoppable, there were moments where if they really wanted to, they would destroy teams.
“And they would obviously make it very difficult for a goalkeeper, so I enjoyed those battles and it was one of the biggest challenges.”
