Kyle Walker Names Chelsea Star as the Best Right Back in the World

• Kyle Walker has named Chelsea star Reece James as the best right-back
• The Manchester City star also namedropped five more players into the debate
• James looking to rebuild his reputation after two seasons plagued by injuries

Manchester City's Kyle Walker has hailed Chelsea captain Reece James as the best right-back in the world.

James has made over 150 appearances for Chelsea but missed out on a place in England's provisional squad for Euro 2024 due to an injury-plagued season that limited him to just 481 minutes of competitive play.

Despite these setbacks, Walker remains confident in James' abilities, telling BBC Sounds that the Chelsea captain possesses "everything".

"If I could make the complete right-back, it would be him," Walker admitted. "Defend, attack, technically, both feet, dead-ball situations, quick...

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"If I was to build [a right-back], I'd go my strength, [Achraf] Hakimi's pace, [Joao] Cancelo's technical ability, Trent [Alexander-Arnold]'s passing, [Dani] Carvajal's mentality, and Reece James' football brain, because he played in midfield for a long time.

"If I was to round all them up in one [player], I'd say it'd be Reece. He gives you a little bit of everything."

How James has fared

James had the best season of his career in 2021/22 under Thomas Tuchel, scoring five goals and providing nine assists in 26 Premier League games.

However, various fitness issues have since hindered his progress. He made 24 appearances across all competitions in 2022/23 and only 11 this past season.

His return from a lengthy absence was further marred by receiving a second red card of the season in Chelsea's penultimate league game against Brighton & Hove Albion.

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Due to this second dismissal, James faces a four-match ban. He missed the season finale against Bournemouth and will also be absent for the first three games of the 2024/25 campaign.