Patrice Evra claims Liverpool’s James Milner was his most difficult opponent, ahead of Messi

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Ex-Manchester United defender Patrice Evra would have come up against James Milner when he was playing for Manchester City, England, and his current club Liverpool.

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has claimed that Liverpool’s James Milner was his toughest opponent during his career.

Evra stated that Milner was a tougher opponent than Barcelona great Messi because he ‘frustrated’ him whenever he played against the versatile player during his time at Manchester City, England and Liverpool.

There’s no doubt that Milner has been a very underrated figure during his time as a player and it is great to see him receiving such high praise.

This is what Evra said about Milner as he recollects the games he played against the Champions League winner, and some of the conversations they used to have on the field.

“James Milner,” Evra told Sky Sports. “No [I wasn’t going to say Messi] I play against Messi many times in the wide positions, I wouldn’t say he was easy to mark, but I could deal with him. It’s when he is going more central that’s when he [Messi] is dangerous because he can turn on the right and left.

“But James Milner only because he frustrates me. I am an attacking defender and he was following me everywhere. And he was challenging me in the air. I just kept getting frustrated.

“I was talking to him sometimes, ‘just go and attack, leave me alone’. When I was playing the derby against Manchester City, I had him [in regards to facing him]. He went to Liverpool and I had him again. The one who frustrated me the most is James Milner.”

Milner played a huge part in Liverpool winning the Champions League in June, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping he can use his Premier League winning days at Manchester City to try and push the Reds over the line this season.

Liverpool recorded a 1-1 draw at Evra’s old stomping ground on Sunday, which means that they now have a six-point lead at the top of the table.

Last season they came very close to ending their English League title drought, as there is the belief now within the squad that they can become Premier League champions in May.