Kyle Walker didn't hesitate when he named his four toughest opponents, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were turned down

Kyle Walker has named the four toughest opponents he has faced during his professional career – with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both being snubbed.

The 34-year-old Walker is one of the most successful stars of modern times and has already won six Premier League titles with Manchester City.

European and international clashes have brought challenges at the highest level, with the former Spurs player known for his excellent one-on-one defending.

Although Walker has faced Ronaldo and Messi in the past, he did not name either player when compiling a list.

He told the BBC: “First of all I would say (Eden) Hazard.

“We had some good battles at Tottenham, you know, Tottenham against Chelsea.

“He was really hard to cover and sometimes I had the better of him, sometimes he had the better of me.

“Secondly, I would say (Sadio) Mane. You know, I was at Manchester City and had some big rivals with Liverpool and playing against him was always tough.”

“You know, so skillful, worked really hard for the team and also contributed a lot of goals, sometimes against me.”

Walker added: “(Kylian) Mbappe or Vinicius Junior. I think it's hard to say between the two. You know, Mbappe is very, very talented. Obviously I played against him at PSG and at the World Cup against France.

“I think it's the same with Vinicius Junior, a very talented young player, an exciting winger who has the world at his feet. I think both deserve a mention and it would be difficult for me to name a top three.”

Given Ronaldo's fame at Manchester United in the Premier League, this admission comes as a surprise.

Messi's time at Barcelona also gave Walker the opportunity to compete with the talented Argentinian.

Walker has admitted in the past that the former PSG player is the only player he would like to play alongside.

“I think it's Leo Messi, because of everything Pep says about him and his prestige and influence on the pitch,” he told FIFA.

“I spoke to Alvarez about him and his contribution to the team.

“I've played against him before and was lucky, but playing with him will be very special.”