‘A BEAST’, ‘An absolute animal’ ‘let him return to central midfield’ – Former Chelsea star explains why 22-years-old Chelsea player should return to central midfield
Following yet another outstanding performance for Chelsea, Reece James has been called “an absolute beast.”
Graham Potter’s team defeated Italian champions AC Milan 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, and the defender was the star of the show as they moved into second place in Group E of the Champions League.
The 22-year-old defender, who scored against Milan on Wednesday night, is quickly becoming one of the top right-sided players in the league.
Rafael Leao, an explosive Milan forward, was kept in his pocket thanks to his outstanding defensive play.
With five goal contributions himself – adding to his tally of six goals and 11 assists last season – James really is proving himself as a wonderful all-round player.
And that’s why former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy believes James is ahead of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the England pecking order going into the World Cup.
He also believes the Blues ace has what it takes to move back into a more central position in midfield – where he starred during a loan spell at Wigan.
Speaking on The Sports Bar, Cundy said: “Reece has got so much to his game.
“Technically, he’s excellent. Physically, he’s a beast.
“There aren’t many strong players in the league, let alone at right-back. Physically, he’s an absolute animal and he will not give that ball away.
“He’s a great passer of the ball, he’s got a great first touch and you watch the way that he uses his chest to bring the ball down – it’s excellent.
“He can play central midfield, he can play centre-half, he can play right-back or right wing-back, he’s got the lot.”
However, James actually played as a central midfielder during his spell away from Chelsea with Wigan in the 2018/19 season.