Ex Chelsea and Liverpool defender Glen Johnson says there is very little between the Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold in terms of ability.
The former Blues player says he would even favour James in terms of his defensive capabilities:
“It’s a toss-up between Trent and Reece James. It depends on who you’re playing against of course, but I think Reece James is a better defender. I think he’s quicker, stronger.”
Johnson does go on to say that he would still select Alexander-Arnold for England simply because of his ability in the final third of the pitch but supporters on Twitter were quick to pounce on the comments to praise James:
Reece is way better by far
— Simon Chiruka1????? (@SChiruka1) November 10, 2020
He knows ball
— Perry (@CFCPerrY) November 10, 2020
That is just the truth#follobackinstantly #follo4folloback
— Jonathan Osagie (@mrjonathanosas) November 10, 2020
Better at free kicks…that is all. Reece would body him and the entire liverpool attacking trio.
— Paul Atreides Nutz ➐ (@DBoy626) November 10, 2020
They know ball ? pic.twitter.com/cSOo5GDPlt
— ? Aidan ? (@KingJokerCFC) November 10, 2020
Reece slightly reminds me of a young glen Johnson at Chelsea expect better
— Eoin?? (@cfc_eoin) November 10, 2020
Can’t argue, Reece james is good defensively
— Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz…… (@kay_rir) November 10, 2020
James still has some way to go in terms of proving himself. After all, Alexander-Arnold has won the Champions League and the Premier League over the past two years, but there is no doubting that the Chelsea star has the potential to become the best right-back in the country.
With Alexander-Arnold out injured during the international break, it will be interesting to see whether England manager Gareth Southgate starts James in the friendly against Ireland tomorrow. He will be suspended for the Nations League fixtures after his sending off against Denmark.
