A Chelsea star has been compared to Arsenal right-back Jurrien Timber as the best in the world at his position.
The Blues are heading into their first Champions League game under Liam Rosenior, after the new manager was able to pick up his first win in the Premier League against Brentford. It was a solid performance from Rosenior’s side, but the boss hopes to see an improvement against Pafos this week.
One of the talking points around Chelsea this season is captain Reece James, who has been playing in several different positions.
James has always been a full-back, yet under Enzo Maresca, he featured in midfield on a regular basis. So far under Rosenior, he has returned to his natural right-back spot.
Jody Morris says James is better than Arsenal star Timber
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Amid all the discussion around James’ position, former Chelsea midfielder and youth coach Jody Morris has said that James is the best in the world at right-back, including over Arsenal star Jurrien Timber.
Morris told AceOdds.com: “I used to joke with him [James], and he used to laugh, but I was deadly serious, saying, ‘If I stuck you as a No.9 on a Saturday, you’d be alright.
“He’s just a gifted player. It can sometimes go against him how good he is in multiple different roles. I got asked about Team of the Year the other day and I put Timber at right-back. Timber’s not a better right-back than Reece James, but he’s playing there all the time. For me, if Reece plays right-back the majority of the time, he’ll be the best right-back in the world along with Hakimi.”
“I get it when you have a player of that level who can fill in different positions when you need him, but I felt there were times when he played in midfield when he was better suited to being the best right-back in the league.
“None of this surprises me with Reece. I’m just really pleased that his injuries have stayed away for over a year now. He’s looking fitter than ever, and long may it continue because it’ll help us with England having a chance in the summer.”
Only time will tell to see if Rosenior will keep playing James as a right-back, or if he will revert him to midfield depending on injuries or opponents.
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