Reece James Told He’s ‘Worth £150m’ and ‘Better Than Trent Alexander-Arnold’ Amid Injury Comeback
Chelsea captain Reece James has received a glowing endorsement from former Blues winger Pat Nevin, who claims the defender is “worth £150 million” and “better than Trent Alexander-Arnold” when fully fit.
The praise comes as James battles to overcome a series of persistent injuries that have plagued his promising career.
A Rollercoaster Three Years for Chelsea’s Captain
Since becoming a senior figure at Stamford Bridge, James has been a vital component in Chelsea’s squad. However, his journey has been hampered by a troubling run of fitness issues — including nine separate hamstring injuries since December 2020, a major knee surgery in late 2023, and over 400 days missed through injury.
Despite those challenges, the 24-year-old managed 19 Premier League appearances last season — his highest total since the 2021–22 campaign.
“Stupidly Good” – Nevin’s High Praise for James
Speaking to BetVictor, Pat Nevin offered an impassioned take on James’ potential when fit:
“If Reece James was fit, he’d be worth £150 million. He’s just stupidly good. There’s nobody like him.
Honestly, I put him above Trent Alexander-Arnold. At his best, fully fit, he was unbeatable. His quality going forward was staggering — he looked like a man playing with boys most of the time.”
Nevin’s admiration was clear, noting James’ dominance in both attack and defence and highlighting that, had it not been for his injuries, he would be “England’s definite fullback, 100%.”
But Fitness Is the Key
However, Nevin also delivered a fair warning — talent alone isn’t enough to warrant big-money interest without consistent availability:
“Every club in the world would want him, but Chelsea wouldn’t sell him.
The problem is the injuries. Nobody’s going to pay that money for him — however good he is — if he’s only going to play 10 or 15 games.
You’ve got to look at the last three or four seasons. And it’s nothing against him.”
What’s Next for James?
With Enzo Maresca at the helm and Chelsea back in the Champions League, this season presents an opportunity for James to reset and reclaim his place as one of Europe’s elite right-backs. There are plans to use him in a slightly more conservative inverted role, potentially reducing the physical toll on his body while maximizing his technical qualities.
The club and fans alike remain hopeful that 2025/26 will mark the turning point for their captain — a player who, when fit, can genuinely rival the best in the world.
Final Word:
Reece James has all the attributes to be the best full-back in world football. If he can overcome his fitness struggles, Chelsea could once again have a truly world-class game-changer leading them from the back.
