Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed that one of his ‘footballing heroes’ was the best player he played against in his prolific playing career.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was a fan favourite during his spell at Old Trafford and the former Manchester United striker had a sensational impact at the Red Devils.
The 47-year-old Dutchman was widely feared for his incredible goalscoring ability, with Van Nistelrooy scoring an impressive 150 times in 219 appearances for United.
Legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson brought Van Nistelrooy to Old Trafford after signing him for a then-British record transfer fee of £19m in 2001.
Van Nistelrooy, who arrived at Old Trafford from PSV Eindhoven, lifted a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup during his five seasons at United.
The former PSV, United and Netherlands striker’s relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson fractured towards the end of his illustrious playing spell at Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy signed for Real Madrid in 2006 for a reported £10.2m fee, with the Dutchman lifting two La Liga titles during his time with Los Blancos.
Van Nistelrooy on best player he played against
Ruud van Nistelrooy called it time on his magnificent playing career in 2012 after brief spells with German side Hamburger and Spanish club Malaga.
The Manchester United legend crossed paths with countless legendary former players during his club career and on the international stage with the Netherlands.
Speaking to UEFA’s official website, Van Nistelrooy opened up about his glittering playing career and the best player he played against on the pitch.
The former Netherlands international admitted that AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini was one of his “heroes” and one of the most formidable players he faced.
Van Nistelrooy paid the ultimate tribute to former AC Milan and Italy defender Paolo Maldini by claiming that he was the “best in his position ever.”
“One of my heroes in football, Paolo Maldini,” he said in 2017.
“The career he had, extending over 22 or 23 seasons, the trophies he won, and especially his personality. The best in his position ever, for me.”
Van Nistelrooy previously named the toughest four-man defence he ever faced in his career, which featured none other than Milan icon Maldini.
Maldini spent his entire playing career at the San Siro and had a legendary spell with the Serie A side, including lifting seven league titles.
The 55-year-old former Italy international even caught the eye of United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, who failed in his efforts to sign Maldini for the Red Devils.
Van Nistelrooy on his preferred formation
Van Nistelrooy admitted that his favourite system to play in as a striker was a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed him to flourish as a player.
The former United striker said he would have United legend David Beckham out on the right wing and Red Devils icon Ryan Giggs out on the left.
According to Van Nistelrooy, he would have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer behind him and both Paul Scholes and Roy Keane in the middle of the park in the 4-2-3-1 system.
When asked about the preferred formation for him, he said: “4-2-3-1. At United with Beckham on the right, Giggs on the left, Scholes and Keane in the middle and Solskjær just in behind me.
“You have good width and midfield to support the striker. It was the best system for me.”