‘Out of nowhere’: Raheem Sterling says £50m Man Utd player is his toughest ever opponent

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Raheem Sterling has played against the best of the best during his career.

From Kyle Walker to Jules Kounde to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Sterling has played against almost every top full-back in the game.

However, speaking to StatSports, Sterling has been discussing who his toughest ever opponent has been, and he’s given perhaps a surprising answer.

Indeed, Sterling has named Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the toughest defender he has ever faced, claiming that even when he gets past Wan-Bissaka, the Manchester United full-back will often come back from out of nowhere and catch him.

Raheem Sterling names Aaron Wan-Bissaka as his toughest ever opponent

Sterling spoke about the £50m Man Utd ace.

“Toughest defender you have ever faced?” Sterling was asked.

“A battle that I enjoyed was Wan-Bissaka. You’d get past him go through and then from out of nowhere, that’s one where I’d enjoy the battle,” Sterling said.

Great defender

Say what you will about Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s entire game, but he’s always been a fantastic one vs one defender.

Sterling has always been a player who loves to get past his opponent using his pace and dribbling ability, but, you’re never going to get the better of Wan-Bissaka in that way.

Wan-Bissaka may not be the best in the world on the ball or in an attacking sense, but when it comes to defending against a direct winger like Sterling, there may not be a better full-back in world football.

Sterling has struggled against Wan-Bissaka on a number of occasions, and while the Manchester United right-back may not be having the best of seasons, he’s certainly one of the best pure defenders in the Premier League, and that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Chelsea face Manchester United next month, and if Wan-Bissaka is fit to play, the Red Devils may be wise to give Wan-Bissaka a start at Stamford Bridge to help keep Sterling quiet.