Patrice Evra has named Liverpool midfielder James Milner as the most frustrating opponent he faced across his illustrious career.

The former fullback won five Premier League titles and one Champions League title in an eight season stint with Manchester United.

And the Frenchman says Milner was tougher to face than Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi or Aaron Lennon.

"James Milner. I played against Messi many times in the wide position, and I won't say he's easy to mark, but I could deal with it. It's when he goes central, that's when he's dangerous because he can turn on the right or left," Evra said on Sky Sports.

"James Milner, only because he could frustrate me because I'm an attacking defender and he's following me everywhere and challenging me in the air and I would just get frustrated sometimes. 'Just go and attack and leave me alone!'

"When I was playing the derby against Manchester City, I had him and then he went to Liverpool and I had him again. So yeah, the one who frustrated me the most was James Milner.

"Of course, Lennon was the type of player that, if I wasn't 100 per cent fit, would run behind me, and defender's hate when a player runs behind. Lennon's quick movement was difficult to play against, but yeah, it's James Milner."