Kyle Walker recently aired a fascinating assertion about Chelsea defender Reece James, with the Englishman speaking highly of his compatriot.
Walker lauded James during a podcast, expressing that the Englishman is a “complete right-back”.
When questioned on who is the best right-back in the world aside from himself, Kyle Walker mentioned Reece James.
Reece James Has Got Everything – Kyle Walker
The Manchester City captain then proceeded to praise the Chelsea captain for his abilities, saying:
“Reece James. He’s just got everything. Everything. If I could make a complete right-back, it would be him. Defend, attack, technically, both-footed, dead-ball situations, quick.’’
The 34-year-old made these comments on his new BBC Podcast “You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker”.
Walker also shared the traits he sees in James, expressing that the Chelsea man has his strength, the pace of Achraf Hakimi, and the technical ability of Joao Cancelo.
Kyle Walker also said that Reece James has the passing ability of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and the mentality of Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal.
James, 24, was absent from many games during the 2023/24 season due to injury, and he returned with a bang for the Blues on May 11, 2024, providing a gorgeous assist for Nicolas Jackson’s goal in their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.
The former Wigan Athletic man also came off from the bench in their subsequent game against Brighton but he was shown a red card for violent conduct, after reacting nastily to a foul by Joao Pedro.
Injury Hindering James From Delineating His Brilliance
Injury has been the major issue for Reece James, as he has missed a staggering 614 days of action due to injury since he began his professional career.
James’ injury has resulted in him losing his place in the national team of England, and he was excluded from the country’s provisional squad for the 2024 European Championship.
Reece James, who is the brother of Lauren James, who plays for the women’s team of Chelsea, made his debut for the Blues on September 25, 2024, in a 7-1 thrashing of Grimsby Town.
The 24-year-old has made 158 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club, scoring 11 goals and providing 22 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, James has made 16 appearances for England, scoring no goal and providing 3 assists in all competitions.
It is left to be seen if he will remain as captain of Chelsea, with the London side set to appoint Italian tactician Enzo Maresca.
His place in the team when fit looks untroubled, although the spotlight has continued to revolve around his fitness level.
Reece James, who was born in Redbridge, England, has won some top trophies in his career, including; 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, and 1 UEFA Super Cup.
Kyle Walker
Moreover, Kyle Walker has made 612 club career appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 52 assists in all competitions.
Walker has made 82 appearances for the Three Lions of England, scoring 1 goal and providing 10 assists in 82 appearances.
Kyle Walker is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, as he has over time delineated class whilst representing the clubs he has played for in his career.
The former Aston Villa man has won several trophies in his career, including; 6 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League, and 1 UEFA Club World Cup.
He is amongst England’s contingent for the 2024 European Championship, having been included in the nation’s provisional squad for the tournament.
Walker will be hoping to guide England to glory, having been a member of the team that lost on penalties to Italy in the final of the 2020 European Championship.
If Gareth Southgate’s side win the European Championship, it will be England’s first major title since 1966, when they won the World Cup defeating West Germany 4-2 in the final after extra time.
