Thierry Henry rates Nigeria legend as his toughest opponent

The Arsenal and France legend has opened up about the toughest opponents he faced in his career.

Thierry Henry rates Nigerian legend Taribo West as the toughest direct opponent he faced in his career.

Considered one of the greatest African defenders of all time, West won plaudits for his physically commanding presence inside the box and an unusual taste in hairstyles.

The former Inter and AC Milan defender faced Henry, one of the greatest strikers of all time, four times. They first met in Ligue 1 on three occasions between 1995-97 during West’s time at Auxerre. The Nigerian successfully kept Henry, who played for Monaco at the time, from scoring.

He did it again during a clash between France and an all-star team in August 2000.

This might be one of the best segments in TV history 🤣

This is 'In The Mixer' with Thierry Henry, @Carra23 and @MicahRichards 😂 pic.twitter.com/3fDXIShTHx

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 19, 2021

“Toughest as an indirect opponent? Or just a guy you don’t like to play against? Paul Scholes,” Thierry Henry said on CBSS Sports Golazo.

“For [a] direct opponent, I would go back in the days – Taribo West. Because [at Auxerre], they did man-marking. He followed you everywhere, even in the dressing room.”

West, who retired from football in October 2007, is now a pastor back in Nigeria.

87 of💯#Afcon 100 Legends!Taribo West 🇳🇬

Signed by both AC Milan and Internazionale, which is a testament to West’s quality, even though he was arguably better known for his hairstyles.The defender was an Olympic gold medal winner with Nigeria and a French champion with Auxerre. pic.twitter.com/bgJP8bpWHv

— Goal Africa (@GoalAfrica) October 14, 2021