Chelsea are gearing up for a crunch final weekend of the domestic season after securing a vital 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United on May 16.
Spain international Marc Cucurella nodded home the late winner from a superb Reece James cross as the two Blues full-backs tipped the game for Enzo Maresca.
Following a match-winning assist for Cucurella, former Chelsea star Gary Cahill heaped praise on James after his performance against the Red Devils.
James was recalled to the starting line-up at right back, after being deployed in midfield in recent weeks, and the move paid off.
It’s been another injury-disrupted campaign for James, but since returning in January he’s remained fit and made 25 appearances in all competitions, as part of a significant increase on last season.
Cahill, a UEFA Champions League winner with the Blues hailed James after the game and labelled him one of the best full-backs in Europe.
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What did Cahill say about Reece James vs. Man United?
“Let’s hope he stays fit because, make no mistake, a fully fit Reece James is one of the best full-backs in Europe,” he told Stadium Astro.
“Sometimes in this formation, because the left-back comes inside, he’s stuck in there as a back three. I like to see him when he gets forward because of what we saw for the goal.
“The quality he possesses. His delivery from wide areas.”
James’ performance against United helped Chelsea secure a crucial three points in the race to secure UCL qualification for next season.
The result propelled the Blues to the fourth spot in the EPL table and a win against Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season will cement their place in Europe’s premier club competition for 2025/26.
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