'I rate very highly': Harry Redknapp very impressed by one Chelsea youngster
Harry Redknapp gave Reece James a rave review for his versatility in a Chelsea and England shirt this season.
Writing in his Sun column, Redknapp was rating the chances of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions clinching European Championship glory this summer.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager boldly predicted England will be tournament winners because of the talent they have on display.
Chelsea have three representatives in Southgate’s squad: Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and James.
Whilst Mount earned his customary praise, Redknapp also saved a few kind words for his club and country teammate.
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He said: “Reece James is another who I rate very highly indeed.
“Wing-back, right-back, right-sided centre-back, he has impressed me wherever he’s played.”
James has just completed another excellent campaign for Chelsea, following on from his breakthrough season under Frank Lampard.
A Champions League victor and established regular both domestically and internationally, the 21-year-old keeps going from strength to strength.
His performances have been achieved in all manner of positions, as listed by Redknapp.
A right-back by trade, Thomas Tuchel transformed James into a wing-back.
However, as the weeks went by, Chelsea’s coach used the young defender as part of his three-man defence.
During the final day defeat away to Aston Villa, Tuchel threw caution to the wing and deployed James as a central midfielder.
This flexibility could be crucial heading into the Euros, as Southgate continues to tinker with his team right up until the last minute.
