Former world champion Rob Cross has named Michael van Gerwen as the toughest opponent he has faced, rating the Dutchman above legends Phil Taylor and Luke Littler. Cross, who defeated Taylor in the 2018 World Championship final, said his limited experience against 'The Power' made it difficult to compare.
Speaking to Online Darts in 2025, Cross explained: 'If I'd have said the toughest player I've ever played, I had one game against Phil and you can't really take that. If I'd have played him numerous times, I'd have got a feel of what he was like.'
Cross highlighted van Gerwen's ability to raise his game under pressure. 'Michael, he was different gravy when I first burst on the scene. He probably stopped me from winning three or four titles that year. In my personal opinion, at the minute, he's the best player I've ever played.'
Regarding Littler, Cross acknowledged the teenager's potential but noted his own poor performances against him. 'I don't feel like I've played well. I think I've played rubbish against him. If he holds it down for another three or four years and keeps improving, then maybe it'll be him.'
Littler, who has since defended his World Championship, leads the Premier League table by two points ahead of Thursday's night in Manchester.
