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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

‘He can be a Chelsea legend’: Reece James backed for greatness by new manager Graham Potter

Chelsea manager Graham Potter believes Reece James' potential is "beyond the sky" and the young full-back has the talent to become a "legend" at the club.

James, who is already a Champions League winner at 22 years old, scored one and assisted another inside five minutes against AC Milan on Wednesday, handing Chelsea and Potter a first win in the competition this season.

Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for James after the game - highlighting his "aggressiveness" against Milan's Rafael Leao - as the England star put in another star performance, and Potter believes his defender is good enough for any team.

"I think Reece is just a fantastic player, and he’s a young player, so he’s developing all the time," Potter said. "He'll get better and better as we go. I’ve really enjoyed working with him, he’s got a lot to offer, he’s fantastic.

"He could play any game in the world, he’s tremendous ... his potential is beyond the sky. We love him. He’s so important for us. My job is to help him reach his potential, and his potential is he can be a Chelsea legend.

"That is the level he has, the potential that he has. For that to happen, he has to be part of a successful team. That’s what we’re working towards."

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