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Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has pointed to two Premier League stars as the most difficult defenders he has faced, Footynaija reports.
Lookman reveals that the toughest challenges of his career has been posed by Chelsea captain Reece James and Liverpool man-mountain Virgil van Dijk.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN, the former Everton and Leicester City attacker gave a concise but telling answer when asked about his toughest opponents.
“I’ve played against a few… Reece James. Virgil van Dijk. Yeah,” he said, revealing the impression both defenders have made on him over the years.
✨ Ademola Lookman vs. Arsenal:
— The Touchline | (@TouchlineX) April 29, 2026
· 1 key pass
· 4 shots
· 2 big chances missed
· 49 touches
· 100% dribble accuracy
· 1 foul won
· 6 lost possessions
· 15 carries
· 5 defensive contributions
· 100% tackle accuracy
· 2 recoveries
· 4/5 ground duels won pic.twitter.com/0XQH9PVoMz
Lookman’s career has taken him across Europe, including spells in England’s top flight where he regularly tested himself against elite defenders. His time with clubs such as Everton, Fulham and Leicester City brought frequent encounters with top opposition, including Liverpool and Chelsea.
Meetings with Liverpool have been particularly notable. Across seven appearances against the Merseyside side, Lookman managed one goal and one assist, while his teams recorded two wins, four draws and just one defeat. His standout moment came in December 2021, when he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win for Leicester City, beating a defence marshalled by Van Dijk. On that occasion, Liverpool were also denied an equaliser when Mohamed Salah missed a penalty.
Encounters with Chelsea have been equally demanding. Lookman has come up directly against James in both domestic and European competition, including a recent Champions League meeting during his time with Atalanta.
What Ademola Lookman did to Lamine Yamal is nothing short of heartless! This boy is just 18-years-old!
— Banky G ⚽ (@BankyGee_) April 8, 2026
pic.twitter.com/JImigCfZcV
While his side secured a 2-1 win, he was unable to register a goal contribution, a reflection of the defensive discipline he faced.
Now at Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone, Lookman has continued to develop into a key attacking figure. Since his January move from Atalanta, he has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 19 appearances, making an immediate impact in Spain.
Among his unforgettable moments was a crucial goal against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final, helping Atlético progress, as well as a strike against Real Madrid in La Liga.
