Rio Ferdinand: Real Madrid's Karim Benzema tougher to defend than Barcelona's Luis Suarez

ByThe Editorial Team

Updated 30/05/2016 at 13:36 GMT

Rio Ferdinand has created widespread debate by declaring Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema as a tougher striker to defend than Barcelona’s Luis Suarez.

The former Manchester United centre-back played against both centre-forwards during his time with the Red Devils and told BT Sport why the French striker was so tricky to play against.

Ferdinand said: “From personal experience playing against both of those players, I found it harder to play against him [Benzema].

“Because he was very cute, he was very efficient in all areas, off his right and left foot, his movement was cute.

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“And sometimes you don’t see it glaringly, but he does cute little things that take you out of position that other players can exploit. And when he gets the ball he’s got a quick trigger.”

Benzema, who is one of the biggest omissions at Euro 2016 with the France squad, enjoyed his best season yet in La Liga for Los Merengues with 24 goals in just 27 games.

Suarez, though, is widely thought to be on another level after his 40 goals in only 35 games saw him clinch the Pichichi award and the former Liverpool striker added 19 assists for good measure.

The controversial forward is bound to be in the conversation for this year’s Balon d’Or award and can boast 59 goals and 26 assists across all competitions to lead the Blaugrana to the double.

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