Patrice Evra names James Milner as toughest opponent he faced during career

Patrice Evra faced some of the greatest players in history during his brilliant career for club and country and it is James Milner that stands out to him as the toughest opponent he came up against.

The Frenchman made 379 appearances for Manchester United, also turning out for the likes of Juventus, Marseille and Monaco and winning 81 caps for France before retiring from playing in 2019.

Playing at full-back at the highest level he faced some serious challenges from the world’s best wingers, but he remembers the task of meeting Milner as the toughest.

James Milner: The Toughest Opponent

‘Every time people think I’ll say Ronaldo or Messi but it’s James Milner of Liverpool, because I’m an attacking full-back and he was defending me more than attacking. It was frustrating my game, always in the challenge, in the air,’ Evra told the Thinking Football summit.

‘He was playing for City, then after he went to Liverpool and every time at the end of the game I was frustrated. Even when I was going to the toilet he was following me to the toilet. He doesn’t stop, he’s so underrated. He’s a machine.’

The 37-year-old signed for Brighton on a free transfer over the summer after his Liverpool contract came to an end. He has not turned up at the Amex to be a bit-part player even at his age, starting three of the Seagulls’ opening four games of the season and coming off the bench in the other.

Patrice Evra’s Career

Evra had a long and successful career with some of Europe’s biggest clubs and won numerous trophies along the way. He won five Premier League titles with Manchester United, two Serie A titles with Juventus, and one Ligue 1 title with Monaco.

He also won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, and was part of France’s World Cup winning squad in 2018. He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year three times in his career.

Conclusion

Patrice Evra has faced some of the greatest players in history during his career, but it is James Milner who stands out to him as the toughest opponent he came up against. Milner’s work rate, tenacity and intensity made him a nightmare to play against and Evra will no doubt be pleased that he is now on his side at Brighton.

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