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‘One of the world’s best’ Reece James hails Chelsea teammate

Reece James, Thiago Silva
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Chelsea star Reece James has nothing but words of praise for teammate Thiago Silva and his impact at the club since joining over the summer.

Reece James has hailed the impact of summer signing Thiago Silva on his own game and Chelsea’s positive start to the season.

The England right-back has enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign and earned plaudits for his crossing abilities as well as defensive attributes.

James is in the running to start for England in their Wembley friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night.

The 20-year-old is suspended for UEFA Nations League games against Belgium and Iceland and will have to sit those games out.

At club level, James has been a key part of an in-form Chelsea side now unbeaten in their last seven games. Asides the presence of veteran defender Thiago Silva, the right-back also heaped praise on Moroccan forward Hakim Ziyech.

James has already forged a good understanding with both and told The Athletic: “Thiago has brought a lot of experience. I have played alongside him a few times now. He has helped me a lot.”

“You can see straight away why he has been one of the best in the world.”

“He constantly talks to me throughout games, helping me in my positioning, directing me and making sure he is talking to me before, during and after games. It all adds up and improves performances.”

James added on Ziyech: “Further forward, there have been signs with Hakim in training. Ever since he arrived, we got on well. I knew I would be playing behind him.”

“We clicked early and tried to build this connection in training to use this season. His left foot is just unbelievably good.”

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