Kyle Walker hails Chelsea star as 'best in the world' despite Euros snub (original) (raw)

Reece James was overlooked for England's provisional Euros squad but Manchester City's Kyle Walker believes the Chelsea star is the best right-back currently playing

Kyle Walker has hailed a Premier League rival as the world's best right-back

Kyle Walker believes Chelsea star Reece James is the best right-back going - despite him being overlooked for the Euros.

The Blues academy graduate has long been tipped for big things and, despite a raft of injuries, has often showcased his quality. James appears to have few weaknesses and Walker, regarded as the best ever Premier League right-back, thinks his fellow England international is the world's best.

James has played as a right-back but also showcased his versatility by operating as a centre-half. The Manchester City star has cited how the Chelsea man has an element of everything you'd want in a defender.

When 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."

Despite James' quality being recognised by his colleagues the Chelsea star was overlooked for England's Euro extended squad. His playing time has been limited and he was sent-off in the second to last game of the season, but his omission was still a surprise, especially as other players in similar situations were selected.

Reece James of Chelsea playing in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea (

Image:

MI News/NurPhoto)

Paul Merson said: "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."

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