Pep Guardiola claimed Liverpool cult hero was tougher opponent than Wayne Rooney

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While there is absolutely no love lost when it comes to his Man City side, Guardiola himself is still recognized by most Liverpool supporters as a trailblazing manager.

You can debate the extent to which money has influenced his achievements, but it's clear that few have shaped the modern game like he has.

As such, it's always interesting to hear what Guardiola has to say about Liverpool players past, present, and potential.

It's especially easy to listen to Guardiola when he is praising a player whom Liverpool fans already hold in high regard, subtly putting down a Manchester United legend in the process. 

And as That Peter Crouch Podcast dug up last year, the Catalan did exactly that way back in 2006, long before he rocked up at the Etihad.

"Wayne Rooney is perhaps more decisive and beautiful to watch, but what's certain is that Crouch conditions you more," Guardiola purred while on punditry duty for the 2006 World Cup.

"With Crouch, you have to play to Crouch's game, and playing to Crouch's game gives you a lot.

"He knows what he's doing, both with his head and his feet.

Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch playing for England.

The man famous for moving the diminutive Lionel Messi through the middle certainly hasn't deployed anyone in the Crouch mold in his time at Man City.