'He was so good, strong, sharp' - Ndidi names Chelsea, Real Madrid alum as toughest opponent he's faced

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has named former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard as the toughest opponent he has ever faced on the pitch.

In an exclusive interview with the Premier League YouTube channel, Ndidi reflected on his encounters with Hazard, describing the Belgian winger as a formidable challenge for any defender.

Ndidi, known for his robust tackling, timely interceptions, and energetic performances, has been one of the standout Leicester City players in the Premier League this season.

The Nigerian international has scored one goal and provided four assists in eleven appearances across all competitions, further cementing his status as a key player for Leicester City since his arrival from Genk in 2017.

Despite his reputation as one of the Premier League's best tacklers, Ndidi admitted that trying to contain Hazard during their on-field battles was an incredibly difficult task.

Hazard, renowned for his dribbling, strength, and ability to glide past defenders, made life difficult for even the most disciplined of midfielders.

"Eden Hazard. He's so good. He was so strong and he was so sharp. When you're getting close to him, he can just change direction and then changing direction. He's so sharp. Before you realize, he's gone," Ndidi told Premier League's YouTube channel.

Hazard, who enjoyed a glittering career at Chelsea before moving to Real Madrid, was a constant threat during his time in the Premier League.

With Chelsea, Hazard won two Premier League titles, two UEFA Europa League titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup, becoming one of the most feared attackers in the league.

Ndidi's assessment of Hazard's abilities is a testament to the Belgian's impressive skill set and his ability to dominate defenders. 

As one of the Premier League's best tacklers, Ndidi’s insight into facing such a world-class talent adds weight to Hazard's legacy in English football.

In addition to his Premier League exploits, Ndidi was recently named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda in November.

Adeyemi Adewale

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