Former Chelsea player Mario Melchiot has backed Chelsea full-back Reece James to surpass Trent Alexander-Arnold in the national team.
England’s national team has a plethora of talented right-backs and are spoilt for choices when it comes to this position. Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Aaron Wan Bissaka and Keiran Trippier are all vying for the starting spot in the national team.
Chelsea right-back Reece James has been a revelation this season after being promoted by Frank Lampard prior to the season.
“When you talk about Alexander-Arnold I’m excited about him and the way he plays,” Melchiot told 888Sport. “He switches the play really comfortably. Wan-Bissaka is more defensive.
“But Reece James has the ability, he has the strength, he has the speed to keep up with people, and he knows how to work it.
“There are still a couple of things he needs to add to his game, but if he can become a regular with Chelsea he can compete with those two guys and why wouldn’t he want to do that?
“That’s why we play football – to compete with the best.”
Reece James has made 17 appearances for the Blues this season in the Premier League and has bagged two assists. He is yet to earn a call-up for the senior national team. Trent, on the other hand, has been among the best young players in the Premier League since making his debut in 2016. He helped his team win their sixth European Cup last season and is set to win the Premier League with the Reds this season.
