Chelsea urged to sell star named 'BEST IN THE WORLD'

Cameron Smith

3 Dec 2024 18:00 GMT
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have been urged to “cut their losses” on Reece James following his latest injury setback.

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The former England international has missed 102 games through injury since the start of the 2020-21 campaign and he is currently sidelined with yet another hamstring problem.

James featured in four consecutive Premier League matches across October and November, but he suffered a new hamstring issue during the most recent international break and his return date is currently unknown.

With James expected to be ruled out for a number of weeks, ex-Watford forward Troy Deeney has told Chelsea that it’s now time to offload the 24-year-old.

“I think if you get some money for him [James], you've done well,” Deeney admitted to talkSPORT.

“It's similar with Luke Shaw. You're not denying their ability and how good they are. But if they're not fit to play, what are you paying them for? You may as well go and give that space to another young player and unfortunately cut your losses.

“You can't keep saying, 'Every time he's fit, he's great'. You have to cut your losses.

Deeney continued: “You can't keep having the same injury. Something along the line is breaking down.

“It really is a shame, because I don't think we're ever going to see the true potential of what Reece James is.”

Reece James is “the best in the world” - Kyle Walker

Although Deeney has urged Chelsea to sell James in 2025, Manchester City star Kyle Walker believes the Blues club captain is the best in world football when he’s fully fit.

“Reece James,” the England international said when asked who the world’s best right-back is back in May.

“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.

Current ETV

Reece James

D, M (R)

Chelsea

Reece James

D, M (R)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€15.5M - €25.9M

“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.”

Read more about: Premier League, Chelsea, Reece James