Chelsea’s defeat to Newcastle United was a bad one for the club’s prospects of Champions League qualification, but even more worrying was the performance, aside from Reece James.
It has been a devastating week. A 5-2 hammering in Paris that has almost certainly knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League, followed by a 1-0 loss to Newcastle that has hurt Chelsea’s top-five hopes.
Chelsea might have hoped that a new deal for captain James, until the summer of 2032, might have instilled some feel-good factor back among supporters and players. But it didn’t work against The Toon.
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Wesley Fofana was criticised for his defending by Jamie Redknapp, and Chelsea’s most in-form players struggled to deal with Newcastle. But the stats show one player did play well, and that was James.
Reece James shines in Chelsea defeat, as per the stats
According to FotMob, James’ had the best rating among Chelsea’s players. His 7.7 FotMob rating was fourth-highest behind Aaron Ramsdale, Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon, but easily Chelsea’s best.
Chelsea Training Session and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella were next, with just 7.2. James boasted the most touches of all, the only player north of 100, with 106. He boasted the second-most highest number of successful passes (75).
Alongside Cucurella, James also created four chances while boasting the most successful crosses out of anyone (4). Another stand-out display from James, despite the result, much like his outing at Arsenal.
Even when Chelsea lose, he’s brilliant 💥
The best right-back in the world!
Reece James proves Liam Rosenior right
After signing his new contract earlier in the week, James was applauded by Rosenior as the best right-back in the world. Incredible praise, and one that left plenty open for debate of players at elite level.
Kyle Walker believes James will be England’s right-back at the World Cup if the Chelsea ace can remain injury-free. It instantly puts James right at the top of the list of right-backs in world football.
James has been immense for Chelsea, and that he has been given a contract until 2032, when he will be well into his thirties, is proof of how crucial he is to Chelsea and his display on Saturday, added to that.
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