Tottenham defender Danny Rose believes team-mate Kyle Walker is the best full-back in the league, and says that their rivalry has driven them both to become better players.
Rose is now the club's longest-serving player having joined from Leeds United in 2007, and has formed a long-lasting friendship with former Sheffield United man Walker, having played against each other from an early age.
The pair have arguably been Spurs' most consistent performers and Rose credits this to their desire to outdo one another.
"For me, he's the best full-back in the league. I don't tell him this but [before games] I think, 'I've got to do better than Walks'," Rose confessed to Sky Sports.
"I look at what he's done - how many crosses he's put in, how many sprints he's made and try to match him.
"Honestly, as a kid, Kyle was one of the smallest, skinniest players I've ever played against. I can't believe how big, physical and quick he's become. It's been mad to see the transformation over the years.
"The gaffer never puts us on the same side in training but it's good for me. He's bigger than me, stronger than me, I have to think outside the box to stop him."
Walker had plenty of praise for Rose too, explaining how much he hates having to mark the diligent left footer.
"He's horrible to play against, I can't stand it. He's always around you, he does not give you a moment's rest," said Walker.
Despite reported interest from Manchester United and Manchester City, Rose has insisted that he wants to see out his current contract with Spurs, which runs until 2021.
Walker has an identical five year contract with the club, but has admitted that he would be keen to return to South Yorkshire at the end of his career.
"Hopefully one day I'll get to play for Sheffield United in the Premier League, hopefully that's a dream that can come true," Walker said.
"They put a lot of faith in me and hopefully I can finish my career there, just to say thank you."
