Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has named one of Chelsea’s defenders as his hardest-ever opponent.
Jeremy Doku is an extremely capable dribbler and does not usually have too many problems against full-backs and centre-halves.
The above was clear to see in City’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United’s in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Albeit the Premier League champions lost and Doku did not come on until the second half, the 21-year-old was superb.
He caused Aaron Wan-Bissaka a lot of trouble before eventually scoring. Doku has also been speaking about how one Chelsea legend inspired him when he was younger.
Jeremy Doku on Chelsea defender
Doku came up against some very good defenders when he played Chelsea this season.
That includes Thiago Silva and Reece James, and the Belgian has now named the latter as his hardest-ever opponent.
When asked about which defender has given him his toughest challenge yet, Doku told SPORTbible: “I’ve played against so many good defenders. Now it’s become so much more difficult with teams playing more defensively.
“I would say Reece James. I think he is a very strong and good defender, and one of the hardest I’ve ever played against.”
Reece James and Ben Chilwell left out of England squad
James may be held in high regard by a top winger like Doku and his former manager Thomas Tuchel, who has highlighted his “quality” in the past, but that did not stop the Chelsea captain and Ben Chilwell from being left out of England’s preliminary squad for the Euros.
Both players have had their injury problems this season but remain very experienced players. To not even make the 33-man roster is disappointing.
Some at Chelsea may not be too upset, though. At least James and Chilwell can have a good rest and be ready for the start of pre-season under their new manager.
It remains to be seen who that is, but Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca is one man who is keen on the job, according to the reliable Fabrizio Romano.