Alan Shearer names the five best defenders he played against

ALAN SHEARER

Alan Shearer ended his playing career 10 years ago, but the Newcastle United legend remains the top goalscorer in Premier League history - and by a considerable distance, too.

Shearer scored a magnificent 260 goals for Blackburn Rovers, with whom he won the title in 1995, and the Magpies over the course of 14 years.

He would have ended his career closer to 300 goals had he started his career at the beginning of the Premier League era. He spent four years with Southampton before leaving the south coast for Blackburn in ’92. 

Wayne Rooney is the second top scorer in the history of the Premier League with 194 goals, but at this rate he might struggle to hit the 200 mark.

Behind the Manchester United captain are Andy Cole, Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Les Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe and Teddy Sheringham. All players who are either already retired or coming to the end of their careers.

Few defenders managed to keep Shearer quiet - his record speaks for itself - but who does the former England international rate as the best centre-backs he faced during his illustrious career?

Well, the 46-year-old has answered that very question for Coral.

Here’s who he went for…

TONY ADAMS

“Tony Adams was one of the best I played against. I had some great battles with Tony. He kicked me, I kicked him but we’d always shake hands at the end of the game. He was a very good defender, a great organiser and leader.”

MARCEL DESAILLY

“Marcel Desailly, was a superb defender, such a good organiser. He was a battler, hard and quick. He could do it all, and was everything you’d want in a centre back. I had some great battles with him too.”

JAAP STAM

“Jaap Stam was another great centre back I played against. A tough player to play against, he was strong and hard as nails.”

JOHN TERRY

“John Terry was very good with his feet, both left and right. He could spray the ball around, and if you were looking for someone to come and lead your team, you’d look no further than him.”

RIO FERDINAND

“Rio Ferdinand was classy. He could read the game, he could pass, he could dribble out with the ball. He was quick and quite simply a very good centre-half.”