Chelsea winter evaluation: The lopsidedness of the full backs
By Travis Tyler
Reece James, England
It was known that James was good. He practically carried Wigan on his back in several positions last season. But that he came back this good, after injury, is outstanding.
James is a machine up and down the flank. He is, along with several other English right backs, are seemingly the prototype for the next standard for the position. James can do it all on offense and defense. And that is not to mention his crossing.
It was expected that he would be a bit raw due to his age and his inexperience. The injury did not help matters. But James quickly found his fitness and the only remaining rawness about him is a touch of over confidence in some situations that puts him in bad positions. But overall, James is doing something special even among this current crop of academy first teamers.
Look no further than the departure of Tariq Lamptey to know the effect James will have on the position going forward. Unless something changes drastically in his development, James is sure to have the right back spot locked down for the next decade if he so chooses.
Performance so far: Good and getting better every match.
Will he return next season: Yes and probably for the next decade too.