‘Extraordinary’: Pat Nevin raves about 19-year-old’s progress at Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC legend Pat Nevin raves about Reece James after his display in Valencia on Wednesday night
Reece James’ progress at Chelsea FC in recent months has been “extraordinary”, according to Pat Nevin.
The Chelsea FC teenager started his second Champions League game in the west London side’s 2-2 draw with La Liga team Valencia at The Mestalla on Wednesday night.
James was partly at fault for Valencia’s opening goal after he failed to track Carlos Soler’s run into the Chelsea FC penalty area in the 40th minute.
However, the 19-year-old acquitted himself well in the European fixture, providing relentless service for his attacking team-mates from his position on the right wing.
The England Under-21 international won three tackles, two aerial duels and completed two dribbles during a versatile performance in the Champions League clash.
Former Chelsea FC winger Nevin has been impressed with James’ progress over the past couple of months under Blues boss Frank Lampard.
“The defender on the field who is really catching the eye however is Reece James,” Nevin wrote on Chelsea FC’s website.
“His progress has been nothing short of extraordinary in such a short time. The most obvious thing about his game right now is the number and the quality of crosses he is whipping in from that right-hand side.
“Whether it is Tammy Abraham, Michy Batshuayi or Olivier Giroud, they must be desperate to be on the field when he is delivering these opportunities.
“It all seems so effortless and maybe the most important thing is he always puts the ball in as soon as there is an opportunity. Strikers all love an early ball they can attack, sent in wickedly between the defenders and the goalkeeper.
“At least as impressive is his defensive work. Whether it is Raheem Sterling or Wilfried Zaha taking him on, he never looks concerned and is very rarely beaten.
“He is certain to improve as he learns the game more and right now, you can see a player who could quite easily be the club’s right full-back for the next decade.”
James scored his first Champions League goal to equalise in a 4-4 draw with Dutch side Ajax at Stamford Bridge in November.
The Chelsea FC teenager managed to keep Wilfried Zaha quiet during the west London side’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace earlier this month.
James, who spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Wigan Athletic, has scored two goals in 11 games in all competition so far this term.
