Chelsea star Reece James names Raheem Sterling as hardest player to defend against

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Chelsea full-back Reece James has named Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling the toughest opponent to defend against.

James, 20, is a brilliant young defender that is another talent to come through the Blues academy in recent seasons and he’s now become the first-choice right-back in the club’s senior squad. 

The powerhouse is currently away with Gareth Southgate’s England group and he’s given high praise to international teammate Sterling.

James picked out Sterling when asked who’s the hardest player to defend against, citing his “non-stop” movement a real problem:

“He’s obviously very fast and a goal threat all the time. He’s probably one of the hardest players I’ve faced against in my career so far,” James told England’s official Youtube channel. 

“He’s non-stop, always on the move, you can never switch off when he’s around. You’ve got to keep an eye on him and know what he’s doing. He’s always sniffing around the goal and he’s always scoring and setting up goals.”

Sterling, who cost Man City £49million (Sky Sports) back in 2015, is a two-time Premier League winner that manager Pep Guardiola has turned into a world-class talent and he continues to improve.

The 25-year-old left-winger is a nightmare for full-backs with his pace, directness and trickery, plus he’s got an amazing work-rate. 

It’s no surprise to hear Chelsea star James pick him out as a tough opponent, but aged just 20 the Blues ace is already competing against the world’s best and he’s got such a huge future ahead of him.

James is now a right-back that opponents will hate facing, as he’s strong with his back to goal and his defensive work is certainly improving under manager Frank Lampard.

There is also the fact that he’s one of the best crossers of a ball in the Chelsea team and is a major threat when he pushes forward.