Reece James was influential as Chelsea beat AC Milan
(Picture: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Rio Ferdinand was impressed with Reece James’ performance up against Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao during their Champions League win over AC Milan.
The England international become the youngest player in his club’s history to score and assist in a Champions League game, teeing up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Chelsea’s second before smashing in a third in a 3-0 win.
Wesley Fofana had earlier opened the scoring for the home side to set Graham Potter on the way to his first European win in charge of the club he took over last month. With Chelsea sitting bottom of their group prior to kick-off, the three points are vital.
Leao, a move for whom was considered by Chelsea during a frantic summer of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge, impressed even despite Milan’s loss but was largely well-marshalled by James in the second-half.
Speaking to BT Sport, pundit Ferdinand said: “What I loved about Reece James in the second half is he was aggressive with Rafael Leao. He said ‘I’ll defend you and also be an effective player at the other end of the pitch’.
"The difference with Reece James, he wants the fight. On the ball I think he’s equally as good as Trent Alexander-Arnold and defensively he’s a lot sharper. He defends a lot better than Trent in one v ones."
