Glen Johnson has claimed that Chelsea’s Reece James is overall the best right-back in the Premier League.
James, 21, has cemented himself as a key player in the Blues first-team after coming through the academy. He’s managed to overtake club captain Cesar Azpilicueta in the pecking order, which in itself is a huge accomplishment.
The youngster is renowned for his physicality and aggressiveness in defensive situation, while going forward he’s got the qualities of a modern full-back.
He’s chipped in with one goal and three assists this season in all competitions, but it would be more if the attackers were more clinical from his crosses.
Ex-Blues defender Johnson, who won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, has given huge praise on Chelsea talent James.
“I like Reece James, I like him a lot. Personally, I think he’s probably the best overall right-back there is [in the Premier League],” Johnson told Premier League Daily on Optus Sport.
“I think Trent is better going forwards and I think Wan-Bissaka is a better defender, but I think as a whole Reece James is up there.”
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Calling James the best right-back in the division is a huge claim, especially when the Premier League includes the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ricardo Pereira.
But Chelsea watchers know they have a special player on the books.
The £100,000-a-week star (Spotrac) is really maturing as a player by improving in both offensive and defensive aspects of his game, but there is a feeling there is still so much more to come from him.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is working with some quality young players and he’s certainly one of the best.