Former Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is now 37 years old and remains a free agent. In the past, he has played in the Premier League for Stoke City, Bournemouth and Chelsea, and has played against some of the best strikers.
When asked about his toughest opponents, the veteran goalkeeper mentioned Torres, Aguero and Suarez, but also mentioned a surprising name.
That name was former England international Andy Carroll, who emerged at Newcastle and then failed to make a splash at Liverpool, where he moved on.
“You’ve got the usual suspects. I’ve played against some of the best strikers, especially in Premier League history.”
“Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez, those sorts of players that can do everything.”
“But actually, from a physical point of view, the likes of Andy Carroll…when a high ball comes and you’re challenging with them, no matter if you’ve got your hands there, they are such big guys.”
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A former Newcastle defender who troubled opposing defenders with his height and physicality, he also had a powerful left-footed shot and was one of the best headers to crosses in the Premier League.
However, his other abilities were not as high and he was not a dexterous player.
His performances at Anfield were such that he was derided as one of the most unsuccessful signings of recent years, due to his very high transfer fee at the time, and the gap between him and Uruguayan international Luis Suárez, who joined the club at the same time, only widened.
After leaving Liverpool, he had spells at West Ham United, Reading and his old club Newcastle, but failed to make any significant impact, and now, at the age of 35, he is with Amiens in the French second division.
The name of the former England international is a surprise, as he has faced world-class strikers, including national team players, but it must be admitted that his aerial prowess was certainly impressive.