“It’s Not Nice Playing Against Him” – Jamal Musiala Names Antonio Rüdiger as His Toughest Opponent
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala has opened up about the toughest opponent he has faced in his career — and surprisingly, it’s not Lionel Messi or Kevin De Bruyne, but his own Germany teammate Antonio Rüdiger.
In an interview with The Athletic, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained against PSG during the Club World Cup, admitted that facing Rüdiger was a nightmare.
🗣️ “Antonio Rüdiger. We played against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and that was quite tough. I’ve known him for quite a few years. And, yeah, it’s not nice playing against him.”
🇩🇪 A Teammate Turned Wall
Musiala and Rüdiger are international teammates with Die Mannschaft (Germany), but on club nights, it’s a different story. During the Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Bayern, Musiala got a first-hand taste of Rüdiger’s strength, anticipation, and relentless marking.
Rüdiger, who has been a rock at the back for Real Madrid since his move from Chelsea, clearly left a lasting impression.
⚽ Opinion: Respect Among Warriors
Musiala’s comments speak volumes about Rüdiger’s rise as one of Europe’s most feared defenders. Often underrated compared to flashier center-backs, the former Chelsea man is tough, physical, and mentally sharp, with an elite reading of the game.
For Musiala — a technically gifted dribbler with silky movement — the fact that Rüdiger disrupted his flow so significantly shows just how dominant the defender has become.
And while Rüdiger couldn’t prevent Real Madrid’s Club World Cup elimination to PSG, his performances have remained consistently elite.
📣 Football fans — do you agree with Musiala? Is Rüdiger among the top 5 defenders in the world right now? And who would you name as the toughest player you've ever seen in action?
Let us know in the comments! 👇
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