Why Chelsea simply can't lose Reece James to Real Madrid
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 29 Apr 2022 18:31 BST
- 4 min read
Amid all the speculation surrounding their new owners, Antonio Rudiger's departure and Thomas Tuchel's future at the club, if there's one player Chelsea must keep this summer and beyond it's Reece James.
English right-backs are revolutionising the game of football, and James is no exception, which is why Real Madrid want to sign him in 2023.
James' performance in Chelsea's 1-1 draw away to Manchester United was nothing short of spectacular, and if anyone deserved to be on the winning side, it was most certainly him.
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Thomas Tuchel will be perplexed as to how his side didn't seal all three points with a performance as dominant as the Blues have put together this season.
While the likes of Marcos Alonso and Mason Mount were bright sparks, nobody on the Old Trafford pitch could match James' level.
A brief glance at his stats would tell you how involved he was. Nobody could top his 10 crosses, his four dribbles or his four tackles on either side, only Kai Havertz bettered his four shots and only Havertz and Mount created more than his three key passes.
It was a display for the ages from a full-back who is destined for greatness. A graduate of Chelsea's academy, James has been at the club since he was a boy and he's blossomed into the Blues' best player.
Fitness has become a slight issue with injuries playing their part in his fairly reduced role this season. But, when he's featured he's been electric.
Capable of playing at wing-back or as a wide centre-back, James' versatility is a huge strength and he regularly played in central midfield on loan at Wigan, so that's a role he could feasibly be utilised in as well.
James to Real Madrid?
A player with the physical capabilities to match any in the Premier League, coupled with the technical ability to rival any full-back in the world and it's clear that Reece James is already an elite player.
And for that reason, Real Madrid are reportedly interested in him. Los Blancos have watched James live on nine occasions this season, according to the Mirror, and are interested in making an approach.
The Mirror have also reported that Real were alerted to James following his performances against them in the Champions League. He kept Vinicius Jr mostly quiet during the second-leg and garnered praise from the Brazilian after the game. Karim Benzema was also pictured asking for James' shirt after the contest.
Goal now believe that James is wanted by Real Madrid in 2023 and will make a move for the Englishman next year, which will no doubt turn his head like it did to Rudiger.
But, while Real Madrid's interest in James isn't surprising, Chelsea can't afford to lose him. A unique talent and someone to come through the Cobham system, James is a future Chelsea captain and he's the kind of player that doesn't come around often.
If Chelsea truly want to close the considerable gap to Manchester City and Liverpool, then keeping James is simply a necessity. He's a talent that can't be replaced by anyone on the market and Chelsea must do everything they can to convince him to sign a new deal, even though his current contract isn't set to expire until 2025.
He sits second in Chelsea's squad for goals and assists this season, despite his injury troubles and the fact he's plays as a right-wing-back, which demonstrates his impact on this Chelsea side.
Many Chelsea players could be sold this summer or next, but losing James would be era-defining. He truly is that good.
