Jason Cundy was mightily impressed by Reece James’ strength whilst holding off Juventus in the Champions League for Chelsea last night.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy gushed over the defender’s European display against Juventus from Tuesday evening.
James takes apart Juve
The 21-year-old put in a near-perfect performance at Stamford Bridge yesterday, affirming his status as arguably the finest full-back in the land currently.
He was a constant threat to the Juve defence, who simply could not handle the England international’s raw power and persistence.
If it weren’t for two fine Wojciech Szczesny saves in the first half, James would have walked away with the match ball.
As it transpired, the full-back had to make do with one for the match, but what a fine goal it turned out to be.
A precise, low drive past Szczesny, that took his tally for the season up to five.
Reece still reaching his potential
There seems no end to James’ trajectory, yet Cundy anticipated even bigger and better from the Chelsea gem.
“Reece is probably the best right-back in the country right now. He doesn’t have a weakness,” said the former Blues centre-half.
“Physically, he’s probably the strongest player on the pitch.
“I saw him against (Caglar) Soyuncu (vs Leicester City), Soyuncu bounced off him on the weekend. Soyuncu is a monster. Hasn’t reached his peak.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joao Cancelo will probably have something to say about Cundy’s first statement.
Both are enjoying excellent individual campaigns for Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.
Yet, there is an argument for James being the better protector and – therefore – allrounder.
His dismantling of Juve definitely provided evidence for such a case.
And nobody can debate that the Chelsea youngster is the toughest of the three physically.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad is bustling with broad shoulders – Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Romelu Lukaku, to name a few – but none quite have James’ natural force.
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