Pundit makes crucial Reece James World Cup decision as Potter wants 21-year-old unwanted Tuchel player in January
Chelsea right defender Many people consider Reece James to be among the best in the world at his position.
James, a player sought after by Real Madrid, has excelled as a right-back right wing-back.
However, Sky Sports analyst Paul Merson does not believe that Reece James should play in England’s opening match against Iran before the World Cup summit in November.
The Gunners legend suggested that Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool would be a better choice for Iran than Reece James of Chelsea.
Merson told Sky Sports: “Whatever happens, Alexander-Arnold must play in the opener. I definitely don’t think he’s a better player than James in terms of being an all-round player.
“But if you’re talking about a team like Iran who are going to put 10 behind the ball and you need to break them down, Trent has to be in the team for that game.”
Potter keen to end Hudson-Odoi loan spell and bring youngster back to Chelsea in January
Potter is a huge admirer of the 21-year-old, who was allowed to leave on loan for Leverkusen during the summer after struggling for minutes under Thomas Tuchel.
Hudson-Odoi made just 11 league starts for Chelsea last season and the arrival of Raheem Sterling during the summer further increased competition for a wide role.
Chelsea refused to include a permanent option in Hudson-Odoi’s loan to Leverkusen and the Daily Mail are reporting that the west Londoners are considering recalling the academy graduate during the winter window.
Hudson-Odoi has failed to develop as hoped since an exciting initial emergence, one which saw Chelsea fend off interest from Bayern Munich in his services as a teenager. He earned three senior caps for England in 2019, but has failed to add to those appearances for the Three Lions amid injury issues and a lack of football at Stamford Bridge.
Hudson-Odoi has impressed during the season’s opening weeks in Germany and has made five appearances for Leverkusen in all competitions, providing one assist.