"He's just got everything" – Manchester City superstar hails Chelsea defender Reece James as 'complete' right-back
Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has showered special praise on Reece James, claiming that the Chelsea captain is the complete package as a modern-day full-back.
During a recent chat on his You'll Never Beat Kyle Walker, the 34-year-old was asked who is currently the best player in his position across the top-five European leagues. He replied (h/t TBR):
"Reece James. He's just got everything. Everything. If I can make the complete right-back, it would be him. Defend, attack, technically, both-footed, dead-ball situations, and quick."
Walker, who has lifted six league titles at Manchester City, continued:
"I think if I was to build one, I'd go with my strength, [Achraf] Hakimi's pace, [Joao] Cancelo's technical ability, Trent [Alexander-Arnold]'s 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, 24, has cemented himself as one of the most technically gifted right-backs in the world since his Chelsea debut in 2019. However, he has struggled to maintain his form in the last two campaigns, starting just 28 club appearances due to a host of injuries.
Overall, the 16-cap England international has found the back of the net 11 times and laid out 22 assists in 158 games for Chelsea.
Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea are keen to sign players in three positions this summer
In his Daily Briefing column for Caught Offside, acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano shed light on the Blues' recruitment plans ahead of the upcoming season. He wrote (h/t FourFourTwo):
"[Enzo Maresca] will be 'here we go' soon and then it will continue to be a busy summer. It won't be completely crazy but they will try to make smart things happen, including a new goalkeeper and I expect them to try for one new centre-back, but it could be two."
Naming a star who has popped up on the club's radar, Romano added:
"I also expect them to be busy with the striker position, and I mentioned many times Benjamin Sesko, who is highly rated at Chelsea but also by others like Arsenal and Manchester United."
Benjamin Sesko, 20, relished a breakout season at RB Leipzig after arriving from Red Bull Salzburg for over £20 million last summer. He registered 18 goals and two assists in 42 games for his club this term.
Should Sesko secure a permanent move to Chelsea, he could prove to be a fine signing for them considering his potential. He would likely displace Nicolas Jackson as the club's first-choice number nine.