Reece James has garnered high accolades from Manchester City captain Kyle Walker, who has described the Chelsea player as the “greatest right-back in the world.” James, who made his first-team debut for Chelsea in September 2019, has since become one of the Premier League’s top defenders, despite battling a series of injury issues.
James’ journey to becoming one of the best has been marked by impressive performances, which have solidified his reputation as a formidable defender. His skill set includes exceptional defensive capabilities, precise crossing, and the ability to contribute to his team’s offensive play.
These attributes have earned him not only a regular starting position at Chelsea but also recognition on the international stage with England.
Before his most recent injury, James had become a regular fixture in the England squad, accumulating 16 appearances for the Three Lions and participating in Euro 2020.
His performances for the national team had established him as one of England’s most promising defenders. However, injury setbacks have interrupted his momentum, limiting his playing time and affecting his availability for selection.
This season has been particularly challenging for James, who has only managed to start five Premier League games due to his injury woes. Despite these struggles, his talent and potential remain undeniable.
His absence from Gareth Southgate’s 33-man preliminary England squad for the upcoming Euros has been a notable talking point, highlighting the impact of his injuries on his international career. This omission was unexpected given James’ previous contributions to the national team and his status as one of the league’s standout right-backs.
Kyle Walker’s praise for James underscores the high regard in which he is held by his peers. Walker, himself an accomplished right-back, believes that James is the most “complete” right-back in world football.
This endorsement is significant, coming from a player who has competed at the highest levels and understands the demands of the position. Walker expressed his admiration for James on the “You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker” podcast, where he named him in response to a question about the best right-back in the world.
Walker’s comments reflect James’ all-around abilities, which combine defensive solidity with attacking prowess. Despite his injury struggles, James’ performances when fit have demonstrated his potential to be a game-changer. His leadership qualities have also been recognized, with Chelsea appointing him as their captain, a testament to his influence both on and off the pitch.
The praise from Walker is a morale boost for James, who is working towards regaining full fitness and returning to his best form. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity are qualities that have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
As he continues his recovery, the football community remains hopeful that James will overcome his injury challenges and re-establish himself as one of the premier right-backs in the game.
