'HE'S GOT EVERYTHING' - KYLE WALKER HAILS CHELSEA STAR AS THE 'BEST IN THE WORLD'

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has heaped praise on Reece James, describing the Chelsea star as the ‘best right-back in the world’.

Despite struggling with reoccurring injury issues, James has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since making his first-team debut for Chelsea in September 2019.

Such is his influence at Stamford Bridge, James was named the new Chelsea captain following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta at the end of last season.

James had also begun to feature regularly for England before his latest injury setback, making 16 appearances for the Three Lions and playing at Euro 2020.

The 24-year-old was a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional England squad ahead of this summer’s Euros, despite the fact he only started five Premier League games this season.

And even though James will not feature in Germany this summer, Walker views the Chelsea skipper as the most ‘complete’ right-back in world football.

Asked to name the best right-back in the world, he 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 Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Joe Gomez another option at right-back.

But ex-England and Arsenal star 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.’

James received his second red card of the season in Chelsea’s penultimate game against Brighton, meaning he missed the final-day win over Bournemouth and will also be suspended for the opening three games of the 2024-25 campaign.

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2024-05-29T15:56:32Z dg43tfdfdgfd