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I have always admired Mikel growing up, Ndidi confesses as he names Messi, Hazard toughest players he’s ever faced

Leicester City midfield maestro, Wilfred Ndidi has selected Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and former Chelsea winger, Eden Hazard as the best and toughest players he has come up against in his career.

Ndidi played against Lionel Messi at Russia 2018 World Cup and came up against Hazard, who is now at Real Madrid, on five occasions while the Belgian was playing in England with Chelsea, including four times in the English Premier League and 2018 F.A. Cup semi final.

“The player I admire the most in my position is Mikel and the best players I’ve ever played against I’ll say Messi and Hazard. Hazard is very difficult,” Ndidi said in an Instagram conversation with the Super Eagles Media Team.

When asked on the fastest players he’s played with, Ndidi responded, ”Vardy or Musa. Musa is really fast’.

Ndidi also spoke on the Super Eagles 2-1 loss to Argentina at the 2018 World Cup, saying he was disappointed that they were unable to hold on for a draw that would have seen them qualify to the round of 16.

“It was there for us to get things right and move to the next round, it was really painful because the goal they scored came late and we had the chance to defend but everything happens for a reason because we are a young team, we learn. We shouldn’t keep saying we are a young team and not trying to win laurels because those opportunities might not come again as we again start preparation for the World Cup, we have to start from the scratch and playing others who want to qualify. It was a good experience overall at the World Cup.”

Qualifying for the 2018 World Cup following the win against Zambia in Uyo and beating Iceland 2-0 in Russia are his best two moments as a Super Eagles player.