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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has weighed in on the current 'GOAT' debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Since debuting in an AFCON qualification against Chad in 2015, Troost-Ekong has been a vital member of the Nigerian national squad.
He has made 76 Super Eagles caps throughout the years, scoring seven goals in his defensive role.
The defender plays for Al-Kholood alongside Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
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Ekong picks between Messi and Ronaldo
Ekong has deftly avoided the long-running argument about which football player is superior, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, by pointing to a special explanation for his hesitation.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Ekong said, "This is difficult to say. I know I will probably play against Ronaldo later this season. I don't want to get him mad."
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The Nigerian international, who expressed his adoration for the Argentine superstar, was astounded by Messi's remarkable skill and game-changing genius.
"When he scored the opening goal against us it was like slow motion, you can't really do anything you just have to watch him.
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"I was close to cheering him because he was fantastic. He is a different quality. You can see that he's reading the game, but when he comes alive there is not much you can do."
The Super Eagles defender also talked about his experiences playing defence against Ronaldo, both in England and in Juventus.
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He continued, "I had the pleasure of playing against him in Italy. When he was playing for Juventus and I was playing for Udinese, he was an out-to-out number nine at that point.
"Of course, I grew up watching him as a winger. In Italy, he was very sharp, a great finisher, you just really can't take your eye off him if you're a defender.
"Even when we play three at the back and some moments when we get pinned down to five, he only needs about half a meter and he will try and get a shot off. That was really impressive.
"We also played against him with Watford and managed to beat them at home 4-1. It was a great experience."
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