Former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has made an unexpected claim about the toughest winger he faced during his time at the club, naming James Milner as his most challenging opponent.
Evra, who enjoyed a successful 20-year career in European football, including a prominent stint at Manchester United from 2006 to 2014, faced numerous world-class wingers during his career.
Patrice Evra has made personal comments
While iconic names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi posed significant challenges, Evra singled out James Milner as the toughest opponent he encountered.
Speaking at the Thinking Football summit, Evra explained his choice:
“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 went on to highlight Milner’s relentless work ethic and versatility, even when playing for Manchester City before his move to Liverpool:
“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.”
Patrice Evra considers Milner the most difficult player to play against
Milner, currently 37 years old, continues to be a valuable asset in professional football, having recently joined Brighton & Hove Albion as a free agent after his contract with Liverpool expired. While he has transitioned to a central midfield role in his later career, Milner began his professional journey as a pacey winger and made his first-team debut for Leeds United at the age of just 16 in 2002.
