Kyle Walker, the captain of Manchester City, has recently showered praise on Chelsea’s Reece James, labeling him the “greatest right-back in the world.”
This high accolade from Walker highlights James’s exceptional talent and significant impact on the field, despite his battles with injuries.
Reece James made his first appearance for Chelsea’s first team in September 2019.
Since then, he has become a pivotal figure in the team’s defense, garnering recognition as one of the Premier League’s top defenders.
His career, however, has been marred by frequent injuries, which have at times hindered his ability to maintain a consistent presence on the pitch.
In addition to his club success, James has also made strides on the international stage with England.
He has earned 16 caps for the national team and was part of the squad that competed in Euro 2020.
His performances have been notable, contributing to his reputation as a versatile and reliable defender.
Despite his evident talent and importance to both Chelsea and the England national team, James has had a challenging season with injuries.
This has limited his appearances, and he has only managed to start five Premier League games in the current season.
His most recent injury setback has also led to his unexpected absence from Gareth Southgate’s 33-man preliminary squad for the upcoming European Championships this summer.
Walker, in particular, holds James in high regard. He described James as the most “complete” right-back in the world, a testament to James’s well-rounded skills in both defense and attack.
Walker’s admiration for James was made clear during a discussion on the “You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker” podcast, where he was asked about the best right-back globally.
Walker unhesitatingly named Reece James, underscoring his belief in James’s superior abilities.
Despite James’s exclusion from the England squad for the summer’s European Championships due to his injury, Walker’s comments reflect a widespread recognition of James’s prowess and potential.
As the captain of Chelsea, James has shown leadership qualities and a strong presence on the field, further solidifying his status as an elite defender.
James’s journey has been one of resilience and talent, overcoming injuries to establish himself as a key player for both club and country.
His versatility, strength, and tactical awareness make him a standout right-back in modern football.
Walker’s endorsement adds to the chorus of voices acknowledging James’s exceptional capabilities and his potential to become one of the greatest right-backs of his generation.
