Southampton forward Charlie Austin has revealed the best defender he’s come up against is Everton’s Phil Jagielka. The England player has spent nine seasons at Goddison Park after arriving from Sheffield United in 2007.
In an interview with FourFourTwo, Austin was asked who the best centre back he’s faced during his playing career. The 27-year-old said it was when he was playing for Queens Park Rangers he came up against Jagielka, and he realised he would have to perform well to get the better of the Everton star.
Austin believes Jagielka on that day was outstanding, and hoped one day he could come out on top when he faced him again.
“Phil Jagielka. When I played against him for QPR at home to Everton he was very good. I thought, ‘Wow, I really need to be on my game here’, and I didn’t play well on the day. You go away thinking that the next time you face him, you’ll have a right go,” said the Southampton star.
Jagielka has made nearly three hundred Premier League appearances during his time at Everton, and has been the spine of the team in his time at the club. The 34-year-old formed a solid partnership with Sylvain Distin under former manager David Moyes, and his performances for the Merseyside club has earned him thirty-nine caps for England.
