Manchester City star Phil Foden names Chelsea superstar as the 'toughest player' he's played against
Manchester City attacker Phil Foden has named Chelsea captain Reece James his toughest opponent ahead of the two sides' encounter.
Foden will likely go toe-to-toe with James on Sunday (November 12) when the two Premier League giants meet at Stamford Bridge. He's taken time to praise his England teammate before that clash.
Sky Sports' Olivia Buzzaglo claims that the 23-year-old sat down for a Q&A when he named James as his toughest opponent. She posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"I’ve just finished a Q+A with the lovely Phil Foden and he said the toughest full-back he’s ever played against is Reece James."
The English duo have faced each other eight times during their careers, including at U18 level. The Manchester City playmaker has been on the winning side three times while losing on four occasions.
In recent encounters between the two clubs, Foden has been a thorn in Chelsea's side. He netted in a 4-0 thrashing of the west Londoners in the FA Cup third round in January.
The pair's history stretches back to their time in their respective club's youth systems. They locked horns during their teenage years and James alluded to this (via The Daily Mail):
"It was in a Premier League tournament when I was about 13 or 14 years old. Every year, we’d always come up against City in the final."
James lauded Foden by explaining how tough he is to play against and insists this is why he's flourishing at Manchester City:
"I was still playing in midfield at the time so I was right up against him in the centre of the pitch. He was the same then as he is now - really hard to play against. He plays exactly the same but he’s just matured and got even better as a player. That’s why he’s come through at City, one of the best clubs."
James could be tasked with dealing with Foden again when the sides meet at Stamford Bridge. The City forward has been in excellent form, bagging five goals and four assists in 17 games across competitions.
Manchester City reportedly hold an interest in Chelsea skipper Reece James
According to Football Transfers, Manchester City retain an interest in James despite Kyle Walker signing a new contract with the Cityzens. The English right-back is viewed by many, including Foden, as one of the best full-backs in the world.
The 23-year-old has been one of Chelsea's most vital players over the years and was named club captain by Mauricio Pochettino in the summer. He's made 152 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists.
James could be the perfect long-term replacement for Walker given his defensive nous and his attacking abilities. He also boasts the experience of having won the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.