Kane snubs Virgil van Dijk, Antonio Rudiger, names toughest defender

England captain Harry Kane has named Chelsea legend John Terry as the toughest defender he’s ever come up against, snubbing current stars like Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger.

In an interview with Stat Sports, the Bayern Munich striker was presented with a knockout-style bracket featuring eight elite centre-backs he has faced throughout his career: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué, Van Dijk, Rudiger, John Terry, Ruben Dias, Giorgio Chiellini, and Mats Hummels.

After a series of head-to-head matchups, Kane ultimately chose Terry as the most formidable opponent he's encountered on the pitch.

Kane, who has played at the highest level for over a decade, featuring in World Cups, European Championships, the Premier League, Champions League, and now the Bundesliga.

"John Terry just had everything—leadership, positioning, strength, and a fierce will to win," Kane said.

He added, "Every time I played against him, it was a war. He made life so difficult."

Terry, who spent his entire Premier League career at Chelsea, won five league titles, five FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy, becoming one of the most decorated and respected defenders in English football history.