Former Chelsea and England right-back Glen Johnson believes that Reece James is better than Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The two have been embroiled in a debate among fans, with only one first-team place up for grabs in the national team.
James, 22, has impressed at Stamford Bridge since making his way through the Cobham academy. The defender spent a period on loan at Wigan in 2019, before then manager Frank Lampard promoted him to the senior team.
The England international hasn’t looked back since, excelling under Thomas Tuchel this season too, despite a serious injury part of the way through. Such is his impact at both wing-back and centre-back, the German coach has claimed that he wished he could clone James.
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"I would love to have two of Reece James, that would solve the problem, it’s like 50% towards wing-back and 45% towards the back three," Tuchel said back in April. "It depends a little bit on how the opponent plays against us. Do we expect a lot of possession, how is their structure for their offensive transition?
"For this it can sometimes be helpful for Reece to play in the back three and be the first guy to cover in the transition and to not be involved in the attack. We have his speed and physicality in the protection of the opponents counter-attack."
His ability has led to comparisons between him and compatriot Alexander-Arnold. While the Liverpool man’s defending has been brought into question, his attacking play has been crucial to the Red’s many titles in recent years.
With Gareth Southgate having to pick between the pair for the Three Lions, debates have sparked around the topic of who to choose. And, in light of that, former right-back Johnson has had his say.
Speaking to LordPing, he said: "It's tough because I think they're both fantastic. I think Trent [Alexander-Arnold] is just about better on the ball and has got a better delivery, but to be fair to Reece [James] that sounds harsh because he's fantastic as well.
"I'd say Trent is better going forward and Reece James is better defensively, but all round, I'd have to say Reece James is better." It makes for interesting reading, given that Johnson knows exactly what it takes to be a full-back for Chelsea, Liverpool and England.
However, with plenty of years left in the tank for both players, the debate could yet rage on for the foreseeable future.
