Phil Foden admits he does not enjoy playing against Chelsea’s Reece James.

That’s according to the Manchester City star himself, who while speaking to reporter Olivia Buzaglo recently, named Chelsea’s captain as his toughest-ever opponent.

Man City star said: “The toughest player i have player against is Reece James

Although Chelsea, who have lost all of their last six meetings against Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens, don’t have the best head-to-head record, James has clearly left a lasting impression on the City team.

Arguably England’s best right-back, or certainly one of, James, 23, although struggling with recent injuries, has definitely been a beacon of light for Chelsea through what has been a turbulent 18 months for the club.

And echoing just how good a player Chelsea’s number 24 is, City’s Foden believes his compatriot tops the list of players he does not want to face off against.

Reece James played mostly as a striker in his early years before moving further back, first into midfield and then defence. He was often in the middle of the pitch when up against the teenage Foden, testing his poise and concentration up against the The Citizen’s prodigious attacking talents.

While there are too many clashes to recall in detail, a photograph that recently appeared online showing the pair in close battle has rekindled memories for James ahead of their latest meeting.

‘I remember it,’ Chelsea star admits.

‘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.