Liverpool central defender Virgil van Dijk has praised Chelsea full-back Reece James on The Overlap.
The Liverpool and Netherlands international centre-back believes that Chelsea youngster James is an “outstanding” right-back.
Van Dijk made the comments about the 22-year-old England international while analysing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold is struggling to hold his place in the England national team.
James is one of Alexander-Arnold’s rivals for the right-back spot in the Three Lions’ team.
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk on Chelsea’s Reece James
Van Dijk said: “Reece James also is outstanding, Kyle Walker, but I definitely think Trent should be at least in the squad.”
Healthy competition
In our view, the competition between Chelsea’s Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool for the England right-back spot is very healthy.
And let’s not forget that Kyle Walker is still around and that the Manchester City star remains a quality player when he is fit and is at the top of his game.
We think that Alexander-Arnold should be part of the England squad for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, but the Liverpool star will need to enhance his game, especially defensively, if he is to play regularly for the Three Lions.
England are blessed in the right-back area at the moment.
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