Chelsea star is 'the best in the world' says Kyle Walker

Cameron Smith

30 May 2024 07:30 BST
3 min read

Kyle Walker, Chelsea, Man City, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker believes Chelsea star Reece James is currently the best right-back in world football.

Article continues under the video

James, 24, was named Blues captain by Mauricio Pochettino last summer, but he was plagued by injuries and suspensions during the 2023-24 campaign, and he mustered just 481 minutes of action as a result.

James’ lack of game time ensured he was excluded from England’s preliminary 33-man squad for the 2024 European Championship, with Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold selected ahead of him.

However, Walker believes the Chelsea man is currently the best right-back in the world, despite his recent injury troubles.

What has Kyle Walker said?

When asked who the best right-back in world football is on the You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker Podcast, the Man City captain replied: “Reece James.

“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.”

Walker continued: “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.”

James made his senior Chelsea debut in 2019, having returned from an extremely successful loan spell at Wigan Athletic, and he soon became a regular at Stamford Bridge, ousting Cesar Azpilicueta as the Blues’ first-choice right-back.

The Englishman helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021, while he has 11 goals and 22 assists in 158 first-team appearances for his boyhood club.