Undroppable: Rising Chelsea star is sending a huge statement to Frank Lampard - opinion

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Chelsea drew 2-2 with Valencia at the Mestalla on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Reece James, making just his second start in Europe for the Blues, has made himself undroppable after another impressive display.

On the chalkboard

The Stamford Bridge outfit’s battle with Los Ches was a captivating one, with both sides have chances to pick up all three points. In the end, though, both teams had to make do with a draw.

James, 19, was in the starting line-up in what was a huge test of his ability. His displays this campaign have made him impossible to drop for Frank Lampard.

Undroppable

Cesar Azpilicueta has played most of his games at right-back for Chelsea so far this season, with him having started just one match on the opposite flank. However, he does have plenty of experience on the left of the back four.

That is something current boss Lampard has seen first hand as well. During the 2013-14 season, the former Derby County boss’ last as a player in south west London, the Spain international made 31 appearances in that position. It almost led to a Premier League title for the Blues, as well, with them ending up just four points off eventual champions Manchester City.

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On the right, James has made five starts for Chelsea, and he has looked comfortable on pretty much every occasion.

The main difference between the former Wigan loanee and the 30-year-old, though, is that the former is far more adept going forward. He already has two goals to his name, one more than Azpilicueta this term, and in the Champions League at least, where he has spent the most time on the field, he has excelled.

He has had one shot per game compared to the club captain’s 0.4, and has made 1.3 dribbles to Azpilicueta’s zero. He has also won more fouls – 1.3 to 0.2 – whilst his also landed 1.5 crosses compared to 0.8.

Lampard’s former teammate is undroppable, but he does not offer as much going forward.

In the age of the attacking full-back – just look at Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, who managed 23 assists between them in the league alone in the previous campaign – more offensive ability appears to pay off.

As such, James at right-back is a must, and Azpilicueta must move his position to make way for him.

In other news, Chelsea have held talks to sign one Bundesliga star.

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