Manchester City defender Kyle Walker believes Chelsea captain Reece James is the most “complete right-back” in world football.
On his You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast, the 34-year-old was speaking about the role of a right-back when the conversation turned to his England international teammate:
“Reece James. He’s just got everything. Everything. If I could make the complete right-back, it would be him. He can defend, attack, he’s technical, can use both feet, he’s a threat at dead-ball situations, he’s quick…”
“I think if I was to build the perfect right back, I would go with my strength, [Achraf] Hakimi’s pace, [Joao] Cancelo’s technical ability, Trent’s [Alexander-Arnold] passing, [Dani] Carvajal’s mentality and I think Reece James’ football brain because he obviously played in midfield for a long time. But if I was to round all of them up, I’d say it would be Reece. He gives you a little bit of everything.”
Chelsea fans would not disagree with Walker
James has been incredibly consistent when available for the Blues. Ever since he made his first-team debut under the management of Frank Lampard in 2019, he has shown that he is up there with the best fullbacks around.
He was instrumental in winning the Champions League three years ago and his importance to the team was recognised when he replaced Cesar Azpilicueta as club captain last summer.
James’ injury record
The 24-year-old has found it hard to stay fit in recent years, with knee and hamstring injuries having meant that he has only started 28 games in the last two campaigns.
It is also why that, despite being described as a “complete right-back”, James only has 16 England caps. He has not been picked by the Three Lions for Euro 2024. Chelsea fans, though, will just be hoping he can have an event-free pre-season and come back fit and firing in August.
