If Reece James can stay fit next season, then the Chelsea star is likely to be the best right-back in the Premier League.
James‘ main rival for that title, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is set to leave Liverpool and England in the summer, with it being widely reported that the 26-year-old is close to joining Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have shown interest in James in the past, but Alexander-Arnold is the right-back they want.
Considering that and some comments made by James, Chelsea fans do not have to worry about their captain going down the same path as his England teammate.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Chelsea is Reece James’ home
James is loving life at Chelsea and is settled at his boyhood club, describing it as “home”.
Of course, being at Liverpool his entire life, Alexander-Arnold probably feels the same about Anfield.
The difference between James and Alexander-Arnold, though, is the former is captain of his club and has not forgotten that.
When James was initially asked whether his time on the sidelines had given him a new perspective of Chelsea, he told Sky Sports: “No, I wouldn’t say it has changed my views on anything in terms of what the club means to me. It has always meant the same. Putting on the shirt and walking out at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is my home.
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“I started here as a little boy and my dream was to play for the club one day. Putting on the shirt and representing the club and being the club captain is an amazing feeling for me.”
James is really growing into his captain role now. In January, Enzo Maresca discussed James, explaining that his leadership skills were improving.
Ultimately, that love James has for Chelsea and the responsibility he has been given should keep the defender at Stamford Bridge for a very long time.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea fans have another reason not to fear Reece James exit
Even if James wanted to leave, finding a transfer would be extremely difficult.
With Alexander-Arnold set to join Real Madrid, that is one option off the table. And Los Blancos are likely to be only one of few teams that James would actually consider joining.
As well as that, Chelsea have their skipper tied down to a contract until 2028. He is not close to becoming a free agent yet, so you would expect the Blues to avoid an Alexander-Arnold scenario.
The likelihood is Chelsea will either extend the England international’s contract or sell him for a big fee before he enters the final year of his existing deal. Based on his latest comments and Real Madrid prioritising Alexander-Arnold, the former is way more likely to happen.