Despite seeing their team slip to their eighth Premier League defeat of the season, plenty of Chelsea fans on Twitter were very happy with the performance of one man this evening.
Reece James had an eventful game in the Blues’ 0-1 defeat at Newcastle, making two key passes, playing four accurate long balls and sending in six crosses at St James’ Park. He also won four tackles, the most of anyone for the visitors, and made three interceptions against the Magpies, while his total of 93 touches was the second highest among Frank Lampard’s team. [via WhoScored]
Unfortunately for the 20-year-old right-back, his evening ended prematurely when he was forced off with an ankle injury in the 74th minute following a collision with Newcastle’s Ciaran Clark and now seems doubtful for the midweek clash against Arsenal, according to The Sun.
Oliver Harbord of Football London gave James an eight in his player ratings, saying that he had “an excellent first half again, seeing a lot of the ball and putting in a superb pass for N’Golo Kante’s one chance”. In the Daily Express, Ryan Taylor wrote that the Chelsea youngster “showcased his impressive crossing ability” against Steve Bruce’s side.
These Blues fans on Twitter were also complimentary of the 20-year-old’s performance this evening before his injury:
This is only the start. Reece James' potential is astronomical. https://t.co/veHMr4PR5N
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) January 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/ConnCFC/status/1218597450115682305
We are already at the point where Reece James looks like the best player every game.
— Goals Side (@goalsside) January 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/CFCMod_/status/1218595316523589632
So far Reece James is our best defender, midfielder and attacker.
— MR DAX (@HussDax) January 18, 2020
I don’t think I’ve seen a more complete footballer than #ReeceJames at his age. He has pace , good in the air , strong , brilliant passing and crossing ability and can defend. I can’t help feeling he is wasted at right back. #CFC
— James ⭐️⭐️ (@Sheehan1966) January 18, 2020
Do you think James was Chelsea’s best player this evening? How big a blow would it be if he was ruled out for a long period with his ankle injury? Comment below with your views!
