Foden names a Premier League rival as the toughest player he has faced

Phil Foden has named a Premier League rival as the toughest player he has ever played against.

The Manchester City starlet has faced a number of the best oppositions in world football during his decorated career for both club and country.

On domestic duty, Man City's success in Europe has seen him go up against the finest defenders from top clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan.

But the academy graduate has found the greatest resistance from rivals closer to home - and Foden is due to face off with the player once again in their teams' next Premier League match-up on Sunday.

Chelsea captain Reece James was the player to get the nod from Foden in a recent interview ahead of the tie, with the Treble winner dubbing the right back 'the toughest player I have played against'.

James and Foden have lined up against one another since their respective times in the Chelsea and City youth set-ups, and most recently met in the Cityzen's 1-0 victory against the Blues in September 2021.

The Chelsea player has fond memories of their first meeting, telling club media that year that little has changed in Foden's style of play.

‘I remember it,’ he said of their first ever clash. ‘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.

‘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.’

Earlier that year, Chelsea swiped Champions League glory from Pep Guardiola's side by the same scoreline in Porto, with James amongst those playing a starring role.

The defender's performances in Europe during the 2020-21 season garnered another top-flight admirer, with Real Madrid naming James one of his most challenging opponents after the west London side overcame Los Blancos in their semi-final that season.

The Brazil international also singled out Foden's team-mate Kyle Walker for the honour.

But since their last September 2021, James has had little time to build up a strong run of form in blue, with the last 18 months seeing the defender stymied by injury for large swathes of the last three seasons.

The Blues captain has missed chunks of Chelsea's current campaign under Mauricio Pochettino after picking up a hamstring injury during their opening match against Liverpool.

James was handed his first Premier League start of the season during the club's chaotic 4-1 win against Tottenham, with Pochettino keen to manage the player's minutes as he returns to full fitness.

He is however expected to start in a similar fashion against Man City over the weekend, as Chelsea look to continue their not-unimpressive record against top-four opponents at Stamford Bridge.