Chelsea fullback Reece James admits Liverpool ace Sadio Mane has been his toughest opponent.

The England international says he learned plenty from facing the Senegal star.

He told the Athletic: "Over the past five to 10 years, the full-back position has progressed a lot.

"My toughest opponent has been Sadio Mane. He is one of the best wingers in the league, if not the world.

"He is strong, quick, good on the ball and one of the toughest to play against, and then you also have (Mane's Liverpool team-mate) Andy Robertson on the outside.

"It used to be about defending but now it is about not only being very good at defending but offering a big attacking threat."