Deeney reveals toughest defender he’s faced in the Premier League

Watford captain Troy Deeney has revealed the toughest defender he has played against in the Premier League.

The Hornets frontman has been hounding centre-halves in the top flight for the past two seasons, barely giving them a moment’s peace.

But the 28-year-old admitted that Manchester City’s John Stones has been the trickiest customer he has come against in the top division.

Deeney, who has reached at least 10 league goals in each of his last five campaigns, had no joy against the former Everton man last season as Watford were beaten 2-0 and 5-0 by Pep Guardiola’s side.

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Stones moved to City from Goodison Park for a reported £47.5million, a fee that made him the most expensive English defender in history.

It was a mixed campaign for the 23-year-old, who made 41 appearances in all competitions for the Citizens, but Deeney has defended the ball-playing centre-back and believes he is the best defender he’s played against.

“John Stones was very good last year,” the Watford stalwart said.

“Especially because when we played him, there was a lot going on about possible moves and I thought he handled it well.”

Deeney also claimed Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma was a “tough” defender to play against during the Hornets’ 4-3 defeat at Stamford Bridge in May.