Patrice Evra Names Surprising Liverpool Player as Toughest He’s Ever Faced

Former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has faced some fierce competition over the years in his time with the Red Devils, as well as Juventus, Monaco, and Marseille — not to mention his years with the France National Team.

In the wake of Evra announcing his impending retirement, he gave an interview where he answered some questions about his long career.

One of the questions that will be of most interest to Liverpool fans was his answer about the toughest winger he’d ever come up against.

“James Milner, because he would frustrate me,” Evra admitted. “I am an attacking defender and he would follow me everywhere, he would challenge me in the air. Sometimes I would say to him ‘just go and attack - leave me alone!’. When I was playing the derby against Manchester City I had him, then he went to Liverpool and I came up against him again. So for me, the one who frustrated me the most was James Milner.”

Milner’s work rate won’t be a surprise to any Liverpool fan who has watched the impressively fit 33-year-old excel in whatever position and in whatever formation that Klopp threw at him over the years.

To be recognized by another professional — especially one as decorated and well-respected as Evra — must be a good feeling. I’m guessing he’s not the only Premier League player who would have high praise for Milner’s tenacity over the years.