If you want to sum up Reece James in one incident, it’s going head to head with 6’7 Dan Burn and leaving him sprawled on the floor, and eventually subbed off.
Of course James didn’t mean to hurt him, and it was a totally legitimate 50-50 header for the ball, but it just goes to show the immense strength and bravery James has.
He’s really impressed in this first half against Brighton, and his return to the team has brought some welcome energy to our right hand side.
We know Azpi will be solid on whichever side he plays, but James offers so much more in attack than any other full back in the team. This setup, with him on the right and the Spaniard on the left, looks like the best way for getting the most out both of them.
James has still lacked a little finesse in the final third, but he’s getting up the pitch and causing havoc, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him get involved in a goal in the second period.
