Troy Deeney names screaming ex-QPR & Millwall star as the scariest he faced | OneFootball

Troy Deeney has named a former Watford and QPR man as the scariest defender he ever faced during his career, particularly in the EFL...

Few strikers embodied the grit and physicality of the English Football League quite like former Watford and Birmingham City striker Troy Deeney.

Over the course of a professional career spanning nearly two decades, Deeney established himself as one of the most recognisable forwards both in and out of the Premier League, earning a reputation as both a prolific goalscorer and a nightmare opponent for defenders during his time outside the top flight.

After beginning his senior career with Walsall, he rose to prominence following a move to Watford in 2010, where he would spend more than a decade and cement his status as a club legend. Deeney's greatest achievements came in the EFL. He scored more than 140 goals for Watford, helping the Hornets win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in 2015.

That was after several years of play-off heartbreak. His iconic stoppage-time winner against Leicester City in the 2013 Championship play-off semi-final remains one of the most famous moments in EFL history and play-off history. Later spells with Birmingham City and a move to Forest Green Rovers followed before he moved into management and then punditry.

Troy Deeney's verdict on facing Danny Shittu

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Watford v West Bromwich Albion - Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain - July 24, 2021 Watford's Troy Deeney Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

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As a striker, Deeney was far more than just a goalscorer. He thrived as a focal point, putting his strength and aggression to good use to make him an intelligent player in terms of his hold-up play to bring teammates into the game. His aerial ability, leadership qualities, and willingness to battle with centre-backs made him invaluable, particularly in the Championship.

He scored 96 and assisted 40 in 280 appearances in the second tier, becoming a deadly centre-forward. While he lacked blistering pace and was never the most technically gifted forward, he consistently found ways to impact matches through his sheer determination and physical dominance.

Many EFL defenders dreaded coming up against Deeney because of the relentless nature of his game. He was powerful, combative, confrontational, and rarely gave opponents a moment's peace. That could be in terms of challenging for long balls, attacking crosses, or engaging in physical duels.

Combined with a keen eye for goal and a fierce competitive streak, those qualities helped make him one of the most feared and effective strikers of his generation in the Football League. But who did Deeney dread playing? He's revealed a former Millwall, Watford, and QPR defender was his most difficult opponent.

Speaking via leagueof72 on TikTok, he was asked who the most terrifying defender was that he came up against, with Deeney stating: "Danny Shittu. Millwall as well in the tunnel at The Den and he's screaming. I thought, 'yeah, you're getting it'."

Danny Shittu's EFL legacy is up there with Troy Deeney's

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Shittu and Deeney are two names that immediately spring to mind when discussing the hardest men to have graced the EFL. While Deeney built his reputation as a fearless centre-forward who relished physical battles and never shirked a confrontation, Shittu was arguably even more intimidating.

Standing at 6'3" and built like a heavyweight boxer, the former Watford, QPR, and Millwall defender made a career out of dominating opposition strikers through his sheer size and strength, with the right amount of aggression and aerial prowess to dominate most of his opposition strikers.

Across more than 300 Football League appearances, Shittu earned a reputation as an old-school centre-half who thrived on the physical side of the game and was a nightmare to play against. Few forwards enjoyed facing him, while Deeney himself embodied many of those same uncompromising qualities in attack.

If you were a manager building a side that would run through a brick wall for you, that duo wouldn't be a bad place to start. They arguably are the two names most synonymous with the hard man label in recent EFL history and both featured for Watford too.