Burgeoning Chelsea star ‘passed Real Madrid exam with flying colours’
England and Chelsea right-back Reece James impressed watching Real Madrid officials this week, according to a report.
James lined up for Chelsea in Tuesday night’s 3-2 extra-time win over Los Blancos. James, who played in midfield in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, could not prevent the Blues from losing 5-4 on aggregate. But he did “pass with flying colours” after his display at the Bernabeu.
That’s the news coming via Bernabeu Digital. Apparently the 22-year-old has impressed the watching scouts at Real after another energetic performance for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
He did get booked for pulling back Vinicius Jnr in the first-half. But he was a threat all night and playing full-back did not stop him from getting forward.
Real are understood to be in the market for a younger version of Dani Carvajal. And the Daily Mail claimed they were tracking James, along with Manchester City, last month.
Carvajal, 30, who played against Chelsea on Tuesday, has been the main man for Carlo Ancelotti at right-back. Nacho Fernandez, 32, has been the man to fill in, but James would represent a younger option.
His versatility will also be enticing to Ancelotti, who had a two-year managerial spell at Stamford Bridge more than 10 years ago.
James is under contract until June 2025 and before the sale of Chelsea was announced, an exit was not on the agenda.
James catching the eye
Whether things have changed remains to be seen, but any transfer fee will be costly.
James’ performance was also recognised by Real star Karim Benzema. The 34-year-old, whose four goals across the tie ultimately ended Chelsea’s Champions League hopes, was seen asking for James’ shirt after extra-time.
The 10-cap England man tossed his shirt to the striker as James made his way down the tunnel.
It’s not the first time that James has caught the eye playing for Chelsea this season.
Barcelona star Dani Alves revealed his admiration for James, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Achraf Hakimi earlier this season.
“I also like to watch Reece James and Achraf Hakimi. They mix strength with technique and are also great players.
“The three of them obviously have different characteristics and styles – but they all know how to do the job,” he told FourFourTwo.
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