'Very strong': Jeremy Doku names Chelsea star as Premier League's toughest opponent
Jeremy Doku has revealed that Reece James is the toughest player he faced in his debut season at Manchester City.
Doku has made 42 appearances in Pep Guardiola's teamwho won a record fourth consecutive Premier League title last weekend.
The Belgian could play one last key role for City in the FA Cup final against Manchester United on Saturday. live on talkSPORT.
Doku, a winger, has played against many talented defenders this season, but when asked to name his toughest opponent, it is Chelsea back James who occupies first place.
Reflecting on his first season at City with SPORTBibleHe said: “I have played against a lot of good defenders. Now it has become much more difficult with teams that play more defensively.
“I would say Reece James. I think he's a very strong, good defender, and one of the toughest I've played against.”
Doku and James have faced each other just once this season, and both started Chelsea's thrilling 4-4 draw with City in November.
The latter's five innings were the most of any player in the field and he joined Marc Cucurella for the most innings won with three.
It also proved to be a very intense match for Doku, as he completed 15 duels and managed five of his ten dribbles at Stamford Bridge.
However, James proved to be one of the better overall players as he also assisted Raheem Sterling, with Doku clearly impressed.
2
Although City dropped points on their trip to west London, they were still able to win their eighth Premier League title.
Doku featured in 29 of their league matches throughout the season, scoring three goals and assisting a further nine.
He even set up Phil Foden's second goal in the crucial 3-1 win over West Ham on the final day to help secure the crown.
However, the 21-year-old can go even further on Saturday by winning the FA Cup and sealing back-to-back doubles for City.
