Crystal Palace fullback Mitchell: This Chelsea midfielder my toughest opponent | OneFootball

Crystal Palace fullback Tyrick Mitchell admits he found Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech as his toughest opponent last season.

The Palace left-back, speaking on the On the Judy podcast, discussed his pre-match research before taking on world-class wingers each weekend. One player stood out as the toughest.

“This season, I would probably say [Hakim] Ziyech," he said. “He was doing loads, especially in the first-half. It was a long first-half.

“To be fair, with most [players] you know them from watching it on TV. They are guys that you watch in the Champions League, so I kind of know certain [players] are going to be skilful, blah blah…

“But if I know someone that knows them, I'll ask them about them. So Jairo [Riedewald] played with [Ziyech] at Ajax, so I'll ask him: 'What is he like?'

“It's trying to get a rough idea before the game. You have to, man – these guys are dangerous!"

As well as potential opponents, Mitchell looks to players that have been in his position for inspiration as he continues to develop.

“I've been watching [Nathaniel] Clyne since he was young," he says. “Seeing Aaron Wan-Bissaka when he was at Palace [too].

“These guys are inspirations, especially since I've been at Palace. Having a career like Clyney is something that loads of young full-backs would want."