AC Milan

AC Milan: Reece James names Rafael Leao as one of the toughest players he’s faced

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England defender Reece James has named AC Milan star Rafael Leao as one of the toughest attackers he’s faced in his career.

The two faced each other this season in the Champions League, as Chelsea beat the Rossoneri home and away to finish top of Group E.

The Champions League-winning right-back praised the Portugal international in a Twitter Q&A, in which he also named left-wingers Sadio Mane of Bayern Munich and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid as the most difficult opponents he has had to deal with.

James tweeted: “Three hardest players I’ve ever played against are all left-wingers! Vinicius Jr, Leao and Mane!”

TIF Thoughts on James and Leao…

James has named three world-class left-wingers as his toughest opponent and rightfully includes Leao alongside the other two Champions League-winning stars.

With seven goals and nine assists in 20 appearances this season, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the deadliest attackers in Europe, which has even led to transfer interest from Chelsea.

The west London club reportedly enquired about a deal in the summer to take Leao to Stamford Bridge, where he would be linking up with James, and whilst a move failed to materialise, it is perhaps one to keep an eye on.

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