Karim Benzema made a swift beeline to get his hands on Reece James' shirt following Real Madrid's aggregate Champions League win against Chelsea on Tuesday.
The Spanish giants were expected to reach the semi-finals after winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last week, yet they struggled to overcome the Blues in the second leg. Thomas Tuchel's side took a 3-0 lead at the Bernabeu before Rodrygo's 80th-minute equaliser forced the game into extra-time and Benzema scored the winner.
James was gutted with the result but can be proud of his performance, keeping Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior quiet for much of the match. "Great game bro, good luck" wrote Vini Jr on James' Twitter feed on Wednesday, accompanied by the shooting star and flame emojis.
As per Statman Dave on Twitter, James achieved 94 per cent pass accuracy and won seven on his eight duels in the first half. He also won five tackles, successfully completed three long balls and had a 100 per cent take-on rate in the opening 45 minutes.
The respect between Benzema and James is mutual, as the latter shared a picture of them on Wednesday. "A game full of emotions," tweeted James. "We gave everything yesterday. Sometimes in life everything just isn't enough. Thank you for all the support!"
James, 22, is regarded as one of the best young right-backs in European football. He became a Chelsea regular in 2019-20 after a stunning loan spell at Wigan Athletic the previous season, playing 45 Championship games and winning the club's Player of the Year award.
Is Reece James the best right-back in England? Let us know in the comments below!
Since then, James has lifted the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. He's also won 10 senior England caps and was part of Gareth Southgate's squad that reached the final of Euro 2020, starting the group game against Scotland at Wembley.
James has struggled with muscle complaints since the beginning of the calendar year, starting just one Premier League game in 2022. Yet he started both of Chelsea's games against Real and looks back to his best for the remainder of the season.
Benzema was clearly impressed with James' talents, rushing to swap shirts with him at the final whistle - a huge compliment from the standout player of the tie.
Tuchel's side, who've already won two trophies and reached the final of the EFL Cup this season, are still contention to win the FA Cup. They face Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in the second semi-final at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
"I have been banging the drum for Reece James for years," said Chelsea legend Joe Cole when asked about James last year. "I remember coming back and training with the team after being in America. I was blown away by his technical ability.
"Especially for such a big, strong, athletic lad. His touch is velvet, he makes the right pass, takes the right decisions. When he gets in front of goal it is like your top, top strikers’ level of composure and technique."
Tuchel added in 2021: "I see no reason why we should get carried away by things like if he is the best in the world or the best in England or the best in Europe... he is far from finished in his development. He is super young. He has all the potential to be a big and important player for Chelsea and he is on his way."
