Micah Richards singles out ‘outstanding’ Chelsea star who he ‘felt a little bit sorry for’ recently

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Chelsea have had quite the squad churn in recent seasons, with transfer business being hit into overdrive under the guidance of owners BlueCo.

Plenty of stars have come and gone at Stamford Bridge, even in the past year under Enzo Maresca, to the point where most of the team is unrecognisable compared to the initial takeover.

Some Chelsea academy stars, such as Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill, have stayed to fight for their place in the team for the future, while others have left for new opportunities.

There is one Premier League star who has had a tough time of it with the Blues, though, but it seems as though he is finally getting back to his best, as claimed by Micah Richards.

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Micah Richards praises Reece James after England display vs Serbia

One of those stars who may have been forgotten about at Chelsea is Reece James.

The defender burst onto the scene with the Blues, making his way through their academy before a loan spell at Wigan.

Under Frank Lampard, James made quite the impression before becoming a flying wing-back under Thomas Tuchel.

In the years since, the England international has been hit with injury after injury, with many questioning how much of a part he could play.

However, James has been hard at work to raise his fitness levels and battle against those injuries, with the effort evident in his display for England as they thrashed Serbia.

While there have been tests with playing the 25-year-old in midfield or centre-back, it was his usual right-back role where he found some joy.

Speaking about James on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards was full of praise, stating: “Reece James over the two [England] games, he was outstanding.

“Imagine having a fully fit Reece James and a fully fit Trent [Alexander-Arnold] for the World Cup. It can cause you all sorts of damage.

“I felt a little bit sorry for Reece James because every time he gets himself fit, he gets a little niggle, but then it takes him a while to get back up to his best form. But he’s there.

“He’s slowly getting back to what he was when he was on fire. And his delivery, people talk about Trent’s delivery, which is magnificent, but also, Reece James’ delivery is very good, too. And he can defend.”

It certainly comes as some good news for England, as they edge closer towards World Cup qualification, as well as Chelsea, who will have some big aims of their own this season.

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England’s Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold debate is back

It was only a few years ago that many were debating whether England should opt with James or Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, given their differing qualities in that role.

For former England defender Rio Ferdinand, the choice depends on the type of game that the Three Lions are in.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the ex-Man United man said: “I think there are games that you could play Trent and games you go for Reece.

“I think Reece, defensively, is better. I think Reece’s all-round game is more complete.

“I’d agree with Kyle Walker. I think there are less holes in Reece’s game. I think Reece’s only problem that he’s had in his career is availability because of injuries, and that’s been a big issue for him.”

It’s a debate that, so long as James stays fit and Alexander-Arnold keeps performing, will keep rumbling on for the future.

With a big season ahead for both stars and the potential of a World Cup place up for grabs, the right-back position seems open for the taking.