It is fair to say that Carlton Cole was really impressed with one Chelsea star following his side’s 1-0 win against Manchester United on Friday.
United entered the game in terrible form, not winning any of their previous seven Premier League fixtures.
Even so, Chelsea still struggled against Ruben Amorim’s side and did not find a breakthrough until the 71st minute.
It came after a moment of brilliance from Reece James, who managed to set up Marc Cucurella. Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill praised James after the game, but he was not the only one impressed with the defender’s performance.
Carlton Cole a fan of Reece James
Cole enjoys watching James when he is at his best and said as much after his performance against United.
For the ex-Chelsea and West Ham United striker, the ball he put into the box for Cucurella to nod home was “unbelievable”.
“I like seeing Reece James when he’s in that form,” Cole said on talkSPORT. “That goal he set up today [Friday] for Cucu was unbelievable.
“And how does the smallest player on the pitch, the left-back… how’s he scoring? The smallest player on the pitch, how’s he actually scoring? It’s a great header as well.”
Because of injuries, James has missed a lot of games in recent years. But he is fully fit again and making an impact in Enzo Maresca‘s team.
While it was Cucurella who scored the goal that could end up sending Chelsea into the Champions League, the Spain international is refusing to hog the spotlight.
Like Cole and Cahill, Cucurella has also lauded James, hailing him as “one of the best” players in Chelsea’s squad.
Reece James should continue playing at right-back
Since returning from injury, Maresca has opted to use James in midfield at times. However, his best position is still full-back.
There, he gets plenty of crossing opportunities. And as the England international showed at Stamford Bridge on Friday, he remains an excellent crosser of the ball.
Getting Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia all into the same team requires some reshuffling. But James should not be the one sacrificed or moved out of position.
That being said, after an array of hamstring injuries, there is logic in not forcing the 25-year-old to run up and down the right flank every game.
