Rio Ferdinand explains why he ranks prime Benzema above prime Luis Suarez and Lewandowski

"Prime Luis Suarez, prime Lewandowski or prime Benzema?" Rio Ferdinand has been asked at the FIVE podcast.

"I'd choose prime Benzema. He was the hardest to play against," the 44-year-old replied.

Al Ittihad head coach 'tells' board Benzema doesn't fit into his tactics

Rio knows ball. In his prime, Karim Benzema is unstoppable – one can't just isolate him because he actively moves across the pitch, supports attacks and applies pressure on defenders and goalkeepers.

The former England and Manchester United great faced Benzema four times in his career, winning on just one of the occasions. The Frenchman scored two goals in those four matches – one with France and one with Lyon.