Trevoh Chalobah believes Reece James must be considered one of – if not the – best wing-backs in world football after the Chelsea academy graduate starred in the Blues’ 3-0 victory over AC Milan in the Champions League.
James produced yet another virtuoso display at Stamford Bridge against the Serie A champions. It was the 22-year-old’s inch-perfect cross that enabled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to finish from close range for Chelsea’s second goal of the evening. And James then fired home a third from an acute angle after a trademark surge forward.
Chalobah, who himself had a fine game at centre-back after replacing the injured Wesley Fofana in the opening period, played alongside James throughout their journey through the academy. He has seen the now England international blossom into a devastating attacking force and a reliable defensive presence.
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And it's why Chalobah says James has to be viewed as one of the game's very best in his position. "We are lucky to have him," the defender said. "He is an unbelievable player who can do all sides of the game. He can defend, get us goals and get us assists. It is a pleasure to play with him. Definitely [one of the best in the world]. I've said it from day one. Right now, he could be the best in the world."
Chalobah's appearance against Milan was only his second of the campaign; the 23-year-old's previous outing was a start in the Premier League victory over West Ham United. It is a testament to Chalobah's professionalism and temperament that he was able to be thrown into a crunch Champions League match and adapt instantly.
The challenge wasn't easy: he was often in one-vs-one situations against Rafael Leao, a forward regarded as one of the brightest in the European game and someone that Chelsea explored signing in the summer in a deal that would have cost close to £100million.
Yet Chalobah's first involvement was to half the Portugal international touchline, and his second was to stop a run from Leao and guide the ball out of play. They were confidence-boosting moments and a reminder of his quality to those who have doubted the centre-back.
"He [Rafael Leao] is a very good player, as you know – he has got the speed, and I just had to try to match him and stop him," explained Chalobah. "This is it, playing at a big club like Chelsea, you've got to be ready. If you are not playing, you need to know what you need to do better.
"It starts in training. I've been ready for a couple of games now, and I got my chance, and hopefully, I can take it. I felt good stepping on the pitch today. It has been a long time, but it felt good, and I can't wait for the next game.
"We've been working behind the scenes a lot on things people don't see. We are building a solid team, and the manager wants us to have that connection, and I think we had that [against Milan]."
Chalobah's future was the subject of speculation in the summer. Clubs across Europe – including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma and RB Leipzig – were interested in taking the academy graduate on loan, but he was convinced to remain at Stamford Bridge by the club's new ownership.
"This is my club," Chaloab replied when asked about the speculation over his future. "Every time I get the chance, I want to show the manager that I am good enough to play. Any chance I get, I need to do my best and let the manager decide."
He added: "It was an important three points for us. We didn't start the group as well as we wanted to, and it was a good reaction today. We will focus on the next game in the Premier League, then the Champions League second leg next week."
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