Not Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi! Juventus legend says this player gave him 'sleepless nights'

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If one picks the modern-era defenders one by one and asks them questions about their toughest opponent, the maximum percentage of players will take either of two names - Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have been the mavericks of the 21st century, showcasing their elite-level skills over the years. Although the duo are in the twilight years of their career, they were unbelievable during their prime years.

But former Italy international and Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci differs from it. The 37-year-old retired from football at the end of last season. In his illustrious career, Bonucci has faced some terrific players and has played against both Ronaldo and Messi. The former was Bonucci's teammate as well during his three-year stint at Juventus.

Despite that, Bonucci identified Duvan Zapata as his toughest opponent. Zapata, formerly with Atalanta and now playing for Torino, has been a consistent presence in Serie A over the past 11 years. Bonucci says he used to have sleepless nights before the match against Atalanta over the years courtesy of Zapata.

"The one that hit me the most and the one I had more fun with was Luis Suarez because he hit and got hit without any problem. My nightmare, who didn't make me sleep at night, was Zapata. God, before games against his Atalanta side, I couldn't sleep at night. His power and physicality made him my nightmare," Bonucci said to Sky Calcio Club.

"Then, I was lucky enough to play against so many champions. [Didier] Drogba, Ronaldo, Messi, [Fernando] Torres, and I forget others, but it was too good," he added.