The right back spot for Chelsea is going to be highly contested this season, but with Cesar Azpilicueta injured, Reece James seized the moment.
Since bursting onto the scene as a part of Frank Lampard’s youth evolution last season, Reece James has been one of the most dynamic young playmakers in the Premier League. His long, marauding runs down the sidelines setting up pacey, whipped crosses have become important parts of Chelsea’s attack. An attack that will hopefully become even more potent this season with the arrival of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech.
Against Brighton, James finally stepped into the spotlight like many Chelsea fans had been hoping he would. The Blues’ faithful have seen flashes of potential brilliance from the young Englishman, but never before had he put together a 90-minute performance like Monday’s.
With an absolutely thunderous first Premier League goal and an equally impressive assist to Kurt Zouma, James put the rest of the top flight on notice to be wary of his presence on the right flank. He, in my opinion, officially joined the ranks of top young English right backs along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Gareth Southgate will have an even more difficult time deciding who to play at the crowded RB position for the Three Lions.
The performance was a microcosm of everything that James did well at times last year. It was consistency that evaded him. Against Brighton, though, James showed his pace, physicality, and delicate touch on crosses for the entire match. The rocket off his right boot was just an added bonus.
He linked up fairly well with Havertz, who had a difficult debut, and combined for some crafty runs all game against the Seagulls. James is spectacular at making the overlapping runs around the outside of wingers before unleashing a guided missile towards whoever is playing center forward. He was particularly dangerous yesterday, finding a lot of space between the left center back and the left wing back in Brighton’s defense.
Of course, what will get the attention of neutrals was James’ absolute worldie into the top right corner of Mat Ryan’s net. Anyone who’s watched James play before knew he was going to shoot as soon as he took the touch to settle the ball on his right foot. After that, inertia did the rest and James was off celebrating his first Premier League goal.
Playing defense has been the weakest part of his game so far at Chelsea, in my opinion, which is strange considering how physically gifted he is. He’s a massive body capable of challenging any player in the EPL for strength, except maybe Adama Traore. He simply has to have more restraint on the attack at times, realizing that his first concern should be defending Chelsea’s goal, rather than attacking the opponent’s.
James was fantastic defensively against Brighton, though. He won all four of his aerial duels and only conceded one foul, as well. He had one lapse of concentration on the missed header chance by Lewis Dunk, but that appeared to be due to miscommunication rather than bad defensive play.
Finally, the cross to Zouma for Chelsea’s third goal was inch perfect, far enough out so that only the big Frenchman could reach it. Zouma did well to just guide the ball towards the goal, and a fortunate deflection changed course for the back of the net. The assist just shows another dimension that James can improve on in set pieces. With Marcos Alonso’s inevitable departure drawing nearer and Willian moving to Arsenal, the Blues will be looking for a new dead ball specialist. James’ name should be in consideration.
It was an overall fantastic performance by James and he was well deserving of the Man of the Match award. Blues fans will just be hoping that they see more performances like this as the season carries on.