Calum McFarlane has described Chelsea captain Reece James as “one of the most complete footballers in world football”.
James will lead Chelsea out in the FA Cup final on Saturday if he starts at Wembley and is expected to be England’s starting right-back at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 26-year-old has missed almost two months of the season with a hamstring injury but made his long-awaited return at Anfield last weekend when he came on as a second-half substitute in the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
Under both of Chelsea’s previous head coaches this season, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, James has played in central midfield for many key games, instead of his traditional position of right-back, and he has even deputised at centre-back when required.
“Reece is a massive player for this team, and England, I’m sure,” McFarlane said. “One of the best, for me. One of the most complete footballers in world football, [considering] the [number] of positions he can play, his skillset in and out of possession.
“It was great to have him back. We felt like we needed him in that moment in the [Liverpool] game. I thought Andrey [Santos] did really well, actually, but just to freshen it up in midfield, get a bit more control.
“[Reece] and Moi [Moises Caicedo] have played together in that position loads of times and you could see the connection in there.
“So, really pleased that Reece came through that. Really pleased with the week he’s put in in preparation for Manchester City. He’s in a really good place.”
