Leao calls Reece James the ‘toughest’ opponent of his career

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has described Chelsea’s Reece James as the ‘toughest’ opponent he has ever faced following their Champions League meeting this week.

Leao was tipped for a big night at Stamford Bridge following a fantastic start to the campaign with the Rossoneri, having been a driving force behind their Serie A title last season.

But Leao, who has also been heavily linked with a transfer to Chelsea, was kept under wraps by James. The Portuguese ultimately had a disappointing night, while the England defender gunning for a starting place at the World Cup was one of the best players on the pitch.

“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.”

James underlined his goalscoring credentials last season when he scored six times in all competitions. The 22-year-old also has two to his name in eight appearances so far in 2022/23, although he is still searching for his first in a senior England game.

James has played as both a wing-back and conventional full-back for the Three Lions, which mimics the kind of role has had at Chelsea over the past few seasons.