When it comes to attacking right-backs, there aren't too many people in world football that know more than Dani Alves. The Brazil and Barcelona legend, who has won 41 major honours for club and country, has now described Chelsea right-back Reece James as "great".
James has been in superb form for the Blues this term, albeit with his season being marred by injury problems. The 22-year-old has 11 direct goal contributions in the Premier League this season - scoring five and assisting six times.
The England international has put himself in contention for the starting right-back, or right wing-back spot, for his country at this year's FIFA World Cup. However, he faces competition from the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold for the starting spot.
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Both going forward and coming back to defend, James has established himself as one of the strongest right-backs in the Premier League. It's now being noticed by one of the footballing greats in Alves, who has now lauded the Chelsea star.
He said to FourFourTwo: "I admire Trent Alexander-Arnold very much. He is a fantastic footballer - this guy has got world-class skills.
"I also like to watch Reece James and Achraf Hakimi. They mix strength with technique and are also great players. The three of them obviously have different characteristics and styles, but they all know how to do the job."
Another ex-defender who very much admires James is former Manchester United and England man Rio Ferdinand. When speaking on BT Sport last year, Ferdinand described the Chelsea star as "ridiculous".
He said: "He’s a ridiculous talent. When we speak about young players in this country, he is dictating games – and he went back into midfield like he was playing there all his life. They played with a 3-4-3 and he was dominating, passing and breaking things up. He just looks accustomed to playing there."
