Kyle Walker, the captain of Manchester City, has lauded Reece James, calling the Chelsea standout the ‘best right-back in the world’.
James, despite recurrent injuries, has risen to prominence as one of the Premier League’s elite defenders since his Chelsea senior team debut in September 2019.
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His significant impact at Stamford Bridge led to his appointment as Chelsea’s captain after Cesar Azpilicueta’s exit at the previous season’s conclusion.
James also became a regular for England prior to his recent injury, tallying 16 caps for the national team and participating in Euro 2020.
The young defender, at 24, was notably absent from Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-player England squad for the upcoming Euros, even though he only had five Premier League starts this term.
Despite James not participating in this summer’s tournament in Germany, Walker regards him as the most ‘complete’ right-back in the sport today.
When asked to name the best right-back in the world, the City defender said on the You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast: ‘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.’
James missed out on a place in England’s latest squad as Southgate favoured Walker, Kieran Trippier and Alexander-Arnold, with Joe Gomez another option at right-back.
But ex-England and Arsenal player Paul Merson was ‘shocked’ by James’ snub, telling Sky Sports: ‘I think he is one of the best in the business.
‘I know he’s had a long injury but [Luke] Shaw’s been out a long time. I’m quite shocked.
‘Kyle Walker plays at right-back but if you bring Reece James as well it opens it up into playing a three at the back sometimes. You might want to play three at the back against better teams.
‘Reece James is one of the best wing-backs about. And then if he goes to right-back, you can put Walker into centre-half and then we might have to chase a game against someone, you’ve got Walker’s pace at the back.’
