Chelsea: Reece James hailed as 'sensational' after outshining Declan Rice for 10-man Blues | OneFootball

The versatile right-back went toe to toe with one of the best in the world and came out on top

James' task got significantly harder when Moises Caicedo was sent off after 38 minutes, but the right-back went on to produce one of the more impressive displays of his career in the 1-1 draw, even assisting Trevoh Chalobah’s goal with a corner delivery.

"It’s brilliant," Theo Walcott said on James' versatility. "It’s very unique, and as well, it’s a great, not problem, but it’s another option that [England manager] Thomas Tuchel can have in certain games.

To have that ability to go from right-back to central midfield and have that effect on a game, is just sensational

Micah Richard

"His delivery from set-pieces, which are so important for a lot of clubs and a lot of national teams these days.

"But what I’m really pleased to see in his development is his growth and his leadership skills, because he’s also been questioned in the past… is he a leader? Is he a captain? He clearly is on today’s performance.

"You’re playing against Declan Rice and having Caicedo next to him, and he’s player of the match.

"For me, looking at the Arsenal, they’ll be disappointed they didn’t test him enough, but he was absolutely outstanding today, from start to finish."

Former Chelsea star Daniel Sturridge described James as "an absolute beast".

"We’re talking about a player who’s been in first-team environment now for many years, and has become a senior player for this group," Sturridge said on Sky Sports.

Reece James celebrates Trevoh Chalobah’s equaliser

REUTERS

"He’s been at the club nearly 20 years, and struggled with injuries throughout his career, specifically over the last couple of years. But there’s no doubt he is an absolutely unbelievable football player.

"The versatility he brings to this team, the set-pieces that he can bring. He’s got all the tools to be able to play in midfield and to play right-back.

"He was an absolute beast today. Gave him so much running power in midfield. It was a very, very experienced and professional performance for him. He played very, very well."

Analysing the performance on Match of the Day, former right-back Micah Richards was effusive with his praise.

He said: "To have that ability to go from right-back to central midfield and have that effect on a game, is just sensational."