Published 06:26 IST, November 12th 2019
'Reece James has got the potential to become a better player': Lampard
Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, praised full-back, Reece James, and stated that the young player has got the potential to become a bigger and better player
Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, praised full-back, Reece James, and stated that the young player has got the potential to become a bigger and better player in the near future. Lampard further added that whenever he saw Reece in training, he got the feeling that Reece had all the required qualities to go a long way in his professional career.
"James has got the potential"
Lampard stated that he noticed the player training last year and again saw his commitment and talent in training this season by adding that whenever senior members of the team spoke highly of a young player, it always gave him a good feeling. The Chelsea manager also said he saw a massive improvement in Reece because of his raw talent and abilities to perform in a match.
Lampard said that this was just the beginning of the fullback as he is going to become a very crucial and a big part of the club. The manager was also of the opinion that "James has the ability to play the role of right-back, wing-back, or right of three center-backs. He is a very versatile player who can also play in the midfield"
Frank Lampard said "Right-back would be his favorite position. Whether right-back, or wing-back, or right of three center backs, that would be his ideal position. At the moment as he's coming into the team, you'll see him there, but he does have that natural round game that he can handle playing centrally and in midfield, if need be"
The 19-year-old fullback performed really well as he kept Crystal Palace winger, Wilfried Zaha, in check as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 2-0 with goals from Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic.
A match to remember
Reece won two tackles against the Ivory Coast international at Stamford Bridge alongside completing three successful dribbles. Sports pundit, Jenas, added that the Blues fullback seemed to be over-confident a few times during the match and said that it was an experience for the under-21 international.
James Reece came off the bench to score the equalizing goal for Chelsea in a 4-4 draw against 10 man Ajax to further cement their place to qualify for the knockout stages in the Champions League. Lampard's team came from 4-1 down to salvage a single point in their Group H encounter.
A smooth run for Chelsea in the Premier League
Chelsea is currently in the third position in the Premier League with a total of 26 points from the 12 games they have played so far. The Blues have a 1 point lead over Manchester City and a 9 point cushion over 5th placed Sheffield United to maintain their course of securing a Champions League spot. They next play against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in a league match to be played on November 23 at the Etihad stadium.
(With inputs from agencies)
Updated 06:39 IST, November 12th 2019