After this light-hearted, enjoyable, and emphatic 3-0 Chelsea victory over a stolid Milan, something lovely occurred. Danny Makkelie of the Netherlands, the match’s referee, went straight for a full embrace when the players hugged after the final whistle while conversing behind their hands like underworld informers. Reece James clasped Chelsea’s right back to his bosom in the post-game line-up.
It simply seemed totally fitting at the time, primarily because James was outstanding in this situation, displaying dignified, unruffled incision and complete assurance in defence. More than any other player on the field, he made contact with the ball. Rafael Leo, a marvel of aggressive thrust and drive, mercifully for Chelsea, appeared to be invisible to his colleagues, who spent the majority of this game failing to pass to their lone attacking danger.
In recent weeks, it has become a habit to fill any extra silence with incessant chitchat about one right-sided player with exceptional talent who isn’t included in Gareth Southgate’s practical tactical schemes. In the midst of everything, it has been simple to sympathise with Trent Alexander-Arnold and sense the pressure mounting on him. However, James, the possessed person, is also under strain because his own performances must now be hyper-analysed and compared to those of the ghost player, the ideal right-back of our fantasies.
He certainly didn’t display it in this instance. The third goal by Chelsea was a beautiful play that belongs on the highlight reel. Raheem Sterling was a successful game-long connection. James made a pass-required outside run. The ball was stroked into his path by Sterling. James took his time, watched, focused, and leathered the ball into the net from a high angle.
He has previously scored this goal. He prefers that viewpoint and understands where to aim. The Matthew Harding stand appears to take a collective breath as the audience can sense it coming and can anticipate the exact square of netting James will strike by listening for the clunk. It is the kind of finish that, like being sat down or thrown through a set of saloon doors, just seems to deflate the goalie.
Reece James does appear to be a player a team might be built around at times like this, but not in a flashy fashion; rather, he appears to be a magnificent piece of architecture—a player with no evident vulnerabilities and superpowers alike.
