After this week’s Champions League match against Chelsea, AC Milan forward Rafael Leao called Reece James the “toughest” opponent he has ever faced.
Leao was expected to have a big night at Stamford Bridge after having a great start to the season with the Rossoneri and being a key player in their Serie A championship season last year.
However, Leao, who has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, has been kept under wraps by James. The Portuguese ultimately had a disappointing night, whereas England’s World Cup-bound defender was one of the best players on the field.
“James is a good player, he was all over me and everywhere at the same time, he timed his runs very well,” Leao has reflected in the wake of the match.
“I hardly talk about opposing players but this guy is actually the toughest I have faced, I think. He scored a goal too against us and that’s something you don’t get from every defender.”
Last season, James demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities by scoring six times in all competitions. The 22-year-old has two goals in eight appearances this season, but he is still looking for his first in a senior England game.
James has played as a wing-back and a conventional full-back for the Three Lions, which is similar to the role he has played at Chelsea in recent seasons.
