Chelsea right-back Reece James is a 'better defender' than Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to pundit Micah Richards.
The pair are both highly regarded and deemed as two of the best young full-backs in the game, but James has the defensive edge in the eyes of Richards.
The former Manchester City star, also a right-back in his playing days, believes little separates the two going forward, but the Chelsea star has better defensive attributes.
“If you look at Reece James, he’s got a great right foot. He can take free-kicks, corners, whatever," says Richards, speaking on the BBC Football Daily podcast.
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“Who’s got a better delivery than Reece James? There’s only Trent Alexander-Arnold who’s got that.
“I think Reece James potentially can be [a better defender]. He’s got more of a frame; he can play a right of a three as well.
“He’s got all the qualities because he’s physically good. He reads the game well, he’s good on the ball. He can cross it and he’s an athlete. So, he’s got absolutely everything.
"So, I would say Reece James.”
Both are starters for their clubs and James already has four goals and two assists so far this season.
Alexander-Arnold is yet to find the back of the net, but has registered four assists in all competitions.
Interestingly, the Liverpool defender has tallied more defensive actions in the league this season than his Chelsea counterpart.
With more blocks, clearances and interceptions than James this season, Alexander-Arnold being overlooked by Richards is somewhat surprising.
