Nigel de Jong praises Carlos Tevez
Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has showered praise over Carlos Tevez, City's captain, for his commendable performances against the Premier League's big teams this season.
Tevez scored the only goal against Chelsea on Saturday, earning City their third league win of the season with a surging run from midfield to the edge of the box.
In the second league game of the season, the newly appointed captain hit two goals past Liverpool, helping his side to a resounding 3–0 victory at the Reebok Stadium.
“I don’t think there is a better big-game player at the moment to be honest with you,” said de Jong. “If you compare him with a lot of strikers in other teams... then I don’t think there’s anybody else who is better. He’s the complete package."
Impressive record against the Big Four
Since joining City from Manchester United in 2009, Tevez has scored a total of ten goals against Liverpool, Chelsea, United and Arsenal, the four teams that have dominated the Premier League in recent years.
On Saturday, the sturdy Argentine held his own against Chelsea's defensive pair John Terry and Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa, two of the league's best defenders.
"He’s not the biggest player, but he’s so strong that you can’t get him off the ball. You see how he fought in this game with John Terry and Alex, I mean, that’s just unbelievable."
Before joining United in 2007, Tevez spent one season at West Ham United. At all of his Premier League clubs, the 26-year-old has been hailed for his unyielding work off the ball and his willingness to commit defensively.
“Everybody praises him about scoring but his work-rate is just phenomenal. He’s a great example for the rest of the Man City team. He’s our captain at the moment and with good reason.”
On Thursday, City hosts Juventus in a thrilling Europa League encounter between the two best teams in Group A.
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