By Our Correspondent

National News – Ademola Lookman, the Atlético Madrid winger, has identified Chelsea captain Reece James as the toughest defender he has faced in his professional football career, during an interview with ESPN.

The Nigerian international, speaking from Europe, reflected on his matches against top Premier League and European defenders, highlighting James’ strength, discipline, and tactical awareness.

He also ranked Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as the second most difficult opponent he has encountered in competitive football.

In a detailed ESPN interview, Atlético Madrid forward Ademola Lookman revealed insights into his experiences facing elite defenders across Europe.

The interview highlighted who he considers the most difficult opponents, with Chelsea’s Reece James ranked first and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk second.

Lookman explained that James’ defensive intelligence, pace, and physicality make him particularly challenging to play against.

The conversation also explored where these encounters took place, mainly during Premier League clashes and European competitions involving his former club ties.

The reason behind his assessment, according to Lookman, stems from repeated matchups without registering a goal or assist against Chelsea.

He further noted how these experiences shaped his development as a forward, improving his movement and decision-making under pressure.

The how element of the story was revealed through a structured media interview with ESPN, where he reflected on his career trajectory since moving from Atalanta to Atlético Madrid.

The Nigerian international also emphasized his growth in Spain, where he has contributed goals and assists while adapting quickly to La Liga football.

Lookman’s recognition of Reece James as the toughest defender underscores the growing reputation of the England international in European football, despite recent injury setbacks.

Since joining Atlético Madrid in January, Lookman has registered seven goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, including key performances against top clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid.

His comments highlight both respect for elite defenders and his continued ambition to improve at the highest level in European competitions.