{"id":3125,"date":"2026-05-02T09:16:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T09:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=3125"},"modified":"2026-05-02T09:16:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T09:16:28","slug":"lookman-names-reece-james-as-one-of-his-toughest-opponents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=3125","title":{"rendered":"Lookman names Reece James as one of his toughest opponents"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Atletico Madrid winger Ademola Lookman has named Reece James as the toughest opponent he\u2019s come up against in his career.<\/p>\n

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES \u2013 STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON <\/span>THE APP STORE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lookman was part of the Atalanta team which beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Champions League earlier this season, although he didn\u2019t score or assist.<\/p>\n

The Nigeria international joined Atletico Madrid in January, and has made an instant impact at the La Liga club, with Diego Simeone\u2019s men 90 minutes away from the Champions League final.<\/p>\n

Ademola Lookman praises Reece James<\/h2>\n

Lookman has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea, and the Nigerian has played for a number of clubs throughout his career.<\/p>\n

The 28-year-old has played for the likes of Fulham, Everton and Leicester in England, and has come up against some top players.<\/p>\n

However, he revealed to ESPN the toughest opponent he\u2019s faced is none other than Chelsea captain James, with Lookman yet to score or assist against the Blues.<\/p>\n

James has put his injury issues behind him and featured much more regularly this season, although he\u2019s not played since the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle on March 14th.<\/p>\n

The 26-year-old is now back in full training, and could be part of the squad for Monday\u2019s game against Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n

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@espnfc <\/p>\n

Lookman names the toughest defenders to face \ud83d\ude2c #football #futbol #soccer #atleticodemadrid <\/p>\n

\u266c original sound \u2013 ESPN FC <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In other news\u2026<\/h2>\n

Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs to have made an enquiry for Brentford striker Igor Thiago, with the Bees expected to set their asking price at around \u00a380m.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thiago has scored 21 goals in the league this season, second to only Erling Haaland, and Brentford could face a tough task keeping hold of the Brazilian in the summer.<\/p>\n

Chelsea have Nicolas Jackson returning from Bayern Munich at the end of the season, whilst Emmanuel Emegha will arrive from Strasbourg, leaving the Blues with decisions to make.<\/p>\n

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips\u2019 SPTC podcast here:<\/em><\/p>\n