Irish youngster downplays Reece James comparison amid Man Utd interest
Cameron Smith
- 13 Nov 2023 19:11 GMT
- 3 min read
St Patrick’s Athletic defender Sam Curtis has stressed that he doesn’t want to be known as the “next Reece James”, despite his love for the Chelsea captain.
Curtis, 17, has broken onto the senior stage in 2023, and his form has attracted interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City.
READ MORE: Tottenham eye surprise move for ex-Chelsea wonderkid
The teenager has two caps for Ireland U21s and is “set to move this January” according to TEAMTalk.
Everton, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Sheffield United, Hull City and Middlesbrough are also keen on signing Curtis, as per the report, as the race to land him begins to heat up ahead of 2024.
READ MORE: Who is Mason Melia? The 'next Evan Ferguson' eyed by Liverpool and Man City
Reece James influence
Now, Curtis has admitted his admiration for Chelsea star Reece James. Speaking to The Irish Independent, Curtis revealed: “I love Reece James for Chelsea,” when asked which current right-backs influence his game.
“I look at him and base my game on him, but obviously I want to be the first Sam Curtis, not the next Reece James,” he continued.
"But there are parts of his game I try to implement in mine. I’m obviously young. I’m going to keep learning and hopefully I can keep getting better each game.”
Curtis already has 60 senior appearances under his belt and believes that regular first-team football has aided his development “massively.”
Furthermore, he also revealed the impact of playing in front of big crowds on a consistent basis. “There are crowds at League of Ireland games and they are building more and more. I’m kind of used to it now,” he said.
“Obviously all the Irish fans are on your side, sometimes in the League of Ireland there are some not. It’s nice to have everyone on your side.
“At the start, it ([big crowds] did take a lot of getting used to. It benefits me hugely coming into these [U21] games, as I’m already used to it.
"It’s something I have. I know some of the [U21] boys aren’t there yet, but I know everyone on this team is capable of going on to do great things.
"Everyone progresses at different times, obviously I progressed a little earlier. Playing first-team football is hugely beneficial to me and it will be to everyone else in the team.”
