Danny Murphy suggests only one Chelsea defender would start for Tottenham

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Danny Murphy has been speaking about both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur’s defences.

Chelsea and Tottenham are both likely to be competitors for the top four this season, with the two London clubs winning last weekend.

The former beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-2, while the latter also impressed with a 4-0 win against Everton.

Going forward, Enzo Maresca‘s men were obviously excellent. However, they have shown some vulnerability at the back, conceding four goals across their first two Premier League games of the season.

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Danny Murphy makes Reece James claim

Chelsea have quite a few young and talented defenders, including Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana.

The Blues also have Reece James, a terrific right-back when he is fit, and Murphy has suggested that the 24-year-old is the only Chelsea defender who would start for Tottenham.

Discussing the two teams on talkSPORT, the former Premier League midfielder said: “If you look at Spurs’ defensive unit, you would take most of their back four ahead of Chelsea’s, most, maybe Reece James at his fittest [gets in].”

It is an interesting comment because Jamie O’Hara doubts a fit James would start for Chelsea right now because of Gusto.

Pedro Porro just as effective as Reece James

Going forward, Pedro Porro, who is Tottenham’s current first-choice right-back, is no amateur either.

Last season, the 24-year-old scored three goals and provided seven assists in 35 Premier League games for Spurs, which is pretty good for a full-back.

It is the kind of threat that James used to bring to the football pitch for Chelsea. And if fit, as good as Porro is, the England international probably would get into Ange Postecoglou’s side.

In his most productive season for Chelsea, James scored five goals and set up another nine in just 26 top-flight outings.

The only problem is the Chelsea academy graduate is rarely fit these days. Mario Melchiot believes Maresca really needs James, but the Italian may have to get used to not having him available. Right now, James is out because of an injury and suspension.