Messi, C Ronaldo and Neymar: Thiago Silva's toughest opponents

In an interview with Chelsea's official club website, Thiago Silva chose the most difficult opponents he has faced. The list includes players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, of course. 

"Angel Di Maria because of his technical quality and his incredible left foot, Mbappe because of his speed and also his technical quality,  Firmino, he has incredible technical quality. He is very intelligent in his movement that leaves defenders a bit lost, Romario because of his intelligence in the box. He's the best I've seen in the box and Adriano, like Drogba, he's an incredible physical force with an unbelievable powerful left-foot penalty shot," he said. 

The Brazilian continued with his list: "I'm going to say Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the fourth there because he is a guy that inspired me and I think he has inspired many kids to inspire what they are doing. He was a black belt before he became a football and then after he found himself football. He's a guy that I admire a lot. I had the chance to play with and against him and obviously he's the fourth best in my list."

The Chelsea defender then gave his top three starting with third: "Neymar because of his class, intelligence and magic. He is a player that impresses me with his technical quality and his ability to create out of nowhere, Cristiano (Ronaldo) because of his professionalism, his dedication and passion for football. He is a guy I really admire for his commitment and for everything he has achieved and Messi, because he has incredible quality and a God-given gift and because of the professional he is. For me, he is the best," Thiago Silva concluded.