Reece James Names Three Toughest Players He’s Ever Faced, Including One Real Madrid Star

• Chelsea star Reece James has listed three wingers he's struggled against
• The Chelsea defender is considered one of the best fullbacks in the world and has faced some of the best forwards in football
• James is recovering from a worrisome knee injury that sadly ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Chelsea defender Reece James has named three players who he's struggled against as a defender.

James's meteoric rise has seen many fans declare him the best right-back in the world. A knee injury forced the 22-year-old to miss the 2022 World Cup, and he's been recovering ahead of club football return.

James has faced several top players in his budding career. Rafael Leao, Vinicius Junior, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling have faced the young defender several times.

James has been impressive since his breakthrough in the 2019/20 season. He has nailed down the right-back spot at Chelsea and was influential as Chelsea won the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

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He has amassed 134 appearances for the English giants developing a reputation as the best fullback in England.

James names toughest opponents

In a Twitter Q&A via the Mirror, James was asked who the toughest players are he's ever faced, and he named some top names in European football. On a Twitter Q&A via the Mirror, James was asked who are the toughest players he's ever faced, and he named some top names in European football.

"3 hardest players I’ve ever played against are all left wingers! Vinicius Jr, Leao and Mane! "

James faced former Liverpool star Sadio Mane in the Premier League. The Senegal talisman scored twice when he went up against James.

Surprisingly, James has plaid against Real Madrid youngster four times, but the Brazil gem has not scored against the Blues.

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Chelsea target Leao has played against Graham Potter's side twice in the Champions League this season but failed to find the net, according to SI.

James had hopes of playing for England at the World Cup but was ruled out. However, he should be fit and ready to go once the Premier League returns later this month.

James blasted for picking Ronaldo

Sports Brief earlier reported on James making his pick in the age-old debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

James picked Ronaldo and fans were livid on social media, wildly claiming he has no football knowledge or Trent Alexander-Arnold is better than him.

Messi and Ronaldo have been the best players for over 15 years, winning 12 Ballon d'Or awards. Most football fans agree that the two will go down as the best players ever to play the game of football.

However, debates about the two have always been heated. Both players have loyal fanbases that usually defend them valiantly. Fans and pundits have said that whoever wins the World Cup between the two should be crowned the best player of all time.