Manchester City star Jack Grealish has revealed that former Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka ranks among the toughest opponents he has ever faced on the football pitch. Despite Wan-Bissaka’s move to West Ham United in the most recent summer transfer window—a transfer that left some pundits and fans scratching their heads—Grealish remains convinced of the defender’s quality, particularly when it comes to one-on-one defending.
Wan-Bissaka’s transfer to West Ham for £15 million was one of the more surprising moves of the summer. The 26-year-old right-back, known for his defensive prowess at Manchester United, had established a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best when it comes to nullifying the threat posed by tricky wingers. Nonetheless, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United opted to part ways with him, a decision that has since drawn some criticism from football commentators who believe that Wan-Bissaka’s defensive abilities were undervalued.
During an appearance on *Sky Sports*, Grealish was asked to name the toughest full-backs he had ever faced in his career. Having played against some of the best defenders in world football, Grealish’s insights carry significant weight, and it came as no surprise when he named his Manchester City and England teammate Kyle Walker as one of the top players in this category. Walker, known for his speed and strength, is widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the game, and Grealish had locked horns with him on multiple occasions while still playing for Aston Villa.
However, it was the next name on Grealish’s list that caught many by surprise. When asked to name another full-back who had given him a tough challenge, Grealish immediately pointed to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. “Yeah, I’d have him in my top three,” Grealish said. “I think he’s really good at one-vs-one defending. Sliding tackles… he loves it.”
Wan-Bissaka’s ability to excel in one-on-one situations has long been his calling card. Dubbed “The Spider” due to his long legs and tackling ability, he has often frustrated some of the Premier League’s most dangerous wingers. Grealish, who is known for his dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders, clearly holds Wan-Bissaka in high regard for his capacity to shut down attackers.
What stood out during Grealish’s interview was his reaction when told that fans had not placed Wan-Bissaka in the top three toughest full-backs he had faced. Instead, supporters favored other names, including Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. While Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold are widely regarded for their attacking contributions, Grealish’s focus on Wan-Bissaka’s defensive strength highlighted an often overlooked aspect of full-back play—the ability to prevent opponents from breaking through.
Fans had ranked Wan-Bissaka as Grealish’s fourth-hardest opponent, despite the City star insisting that the West Ham defender should be in the top three. Wan-Bissaka’s omission from the fan rankings can be seen as a reflection of how modern football has increasingly emphasized full-backs’ attacking roles, but Grealish’s comments underscore the value of a full-back who prioritizes defense, particularly in one-on-one situations.
Since moving to West Ham, Wan-Bissaka has made eight appearances for the London-based club. While his defensive skills continue to impress, his transition to a new team has not been without its challenges. Most notably, he faced criticism following West Ham’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, where questions were raised about his positioning during one of the goals. In the 60th minute, Son Heung-min scored for Tottenham, and Wan-Bissaka was criticized for being out of position during the build-up to the goal. TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist remarked, “I know they’re (West Ham) chasing it (the game) a little bit, but for me, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s positioning there is poor.”
This criticism, however, does not detract from Wan-Bissaka’s overall abilities as a defender, and it’s likely that as he settles into West Ham’s system, he will continue to showcase the qualities that made him such a formidable opponent during his time at Manchester United. His move to West Ham represents an opportunity for him to further develop his game, and with the Hammers looking to solidify their place in the Premier League’s top half, Wan-Bissaka’s defensive skills will be crucial in their efforts.
For Grealish, Wan-Bissaka’s inclusion among the top defenders he’s faced is a testament to the former Manchester United player’s consistency in doing what he does best: defending. “Sliding tackles… he loves it,” Grealish said, emphasizing Wan-Bissaka’s commitment to his role as a stopper, a trait that may not earn the headlines as much as flashy assists or goals but is highly valued by those who understand the intricacies of the game.
In an era where full-backs are often judged by their ability to contribute to attacking play, Grealish’s acknowledgment of Wan-Bissaka’s defensive strengths serves as a reminder of the importance of a well-rounded skill set. While players like Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold excel in going forward, Wan-Bissaka’s ability to lock down some of the world’s best attackers ensures he remains one of the most challenging opponents for wingers like Grealish.
As Grealish continues to compete at the highest levels of football, his recognition of Wan-Bissaka as one of his toughest-ever opponents only adds to the growing appreciation for the West Ham defender’s talents. Whether or not fans include him in their top rankings, there is no doubt that Wan-Bissaka has earned the respect of one of the Premier League’s brightest stars, and his performances in the future will likely continue to spark debate among pundits and supporters alike.