Marcos Alonso names Damien Duff his toughest opponent

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso has played in Spain, England, and Italy. He has faced off against some of the finest players in the game.

According to a Q and A on Chelsea’s Instagram page (h/t Metro), he has revealed a rather surprising choice as the toughest opponent he has faced.

That award goes to former Chelsea winger Damien Duff. The Irishman spent just three seasons at the club early in the century. His stay was fruitful though, as he left for Newcastle United as a two-time Premier League champion.

The Irishman, however, did not face Alonso in Chelsea colours. Duff was past his peak when he turned up for Fulham against Bolton Wanderers.

In spite of being near the end of his career, he caused our Spaniard a number of problems. It’s all the more impressive when you consider the Irishman was in his 30s then.

It was a night to forget for Alonso as Duff led his team to a 3-0 victory in the season where Bolton ultimately got relegated. (h/t Metro)

Alonso was still a youngster finding his feet in the English game. He has since come a long way and is now a Premier League champion who also made it to the PFA Team of the Year.

In spite of facing players such as Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah, the fact that he still remembers the lesson taught by our former number 11 is a testament to his quality.

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Signed from Balckburn Robers in 2003, Duff went on to make 125 appearances for the Blues. He scored 19 goals and 28 assists in his time at Stamford Bridge.