“I’d say ” – Former Chelsea and Liverpool players delivers verdict on Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold debate

“I’d say ” – Former Chelsea and Liverpool players delivers verdict on Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold debate

Glen Johnson, a former Chelsea and England right-back, believes Reece James is superior to Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

With only one first-team spot available in the national squad, the two have been entangled in a fan debate.

James, 22, has made an impression at Stamford Bridge since graduating from the Cobham academy. In 2019, the defender was loaned out to Wigan before being promoted to the first team by manager Frank Lampard.

Since then, the England international hasn’t looked back, thriving under Thomas Tuchel this season as well, despite suffering a major injury midway through. 

Because of James’s effect at both wing-back and center-back, the German coach has stated that he wishes he could clone him.

“I would love to have two of Reece James, that would solve the problem, it’s like 50% towards wing-back and 45% towards the back three,” Tuchel said back in April. “It depends a little bit on how the opponent plays against us. Do we expect a lot of possession, how is their structure for their offensive transition?

“For this it can sometimes be helpful for Reece to play in the back three and be the first guy to cover in the transition and to not be involved in the attack. We have his speed and physicality in the protection of the opponents counter-attack.”

His talent has drawn comparisons to compatriot Alexander-Arnold. While his defence has been called into question, his attacking play has been critical to Liverpool’s many titles in recent years.

With Gareth Southgate having to choose between the two for the Three Lions, discussions have erupted about who to select. In light of this, former right-back Johnson has spoken out.

Speaking to LordPing, he said: “It’s tough because I think they’re both fantastic. I think Trent [Alexander-Arnold] is just about better on the ball and has got a better delivery, but to be fair to Reece [James] that sounds harsh because he’s fantastic as well.

“I’d say Trent is better going forward and Reece James is better defensively, but all round, I’d have to say Reece James is better.”

Given that Johnson knows exactly what it takes to be a full-back for Chelsea, Liverpool, and England, it makes for fascinating reading.

However, with plenty of years remaining in the tank for both players, the debate might continue for some time.

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“I’d say ” – Former Chelsea and Liverpool players delivers verdict on Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold debate