Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2019-20 

5. Reece James is top-class full-back in the making

Reece James put in some shift at right-back

Reece James. Remember the name.

He is still in his teens but has adapted to life in the senior Chelsea squad like a duck to water. So much, that from the analysts to the fans, everybody wants James to start down the right side of the defence.

Seven games into the season, and we already know he needs no time to settle into the Premier League. The full-back has got the spike in his armoury besides his brute physicality and an infectious obsession to reinstall possession and win every duel.

Known for his immaculate crossing abilities and owning a teasing delivery, James was far from his all-round best today. Even then, it was a massive performance from his end.

James locked down Jack Grealish several times, thereby preventing him from pervading the central areas or teeing up onrushing Villa players. He was otherwise solid and robust with his challenges, and ever so comfortable in possession.

For all the service he whipped in for Olivier Giroud against West Ham three days ago, he deserved an assist. And so he did, as the opposition defence stood rooted to the ground when Abraham headed in.

The ball was sent in with the right amount of pace, dip and geometrical brilliance. For, that is what will separate James' delivery from his counterparts.