Chelsea right-back Reece James is reportedly on Newcastle United‘s shortlist, as per reports.
James is one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League, and has been touted to become a future Chelsea first-team player.
The 19-year-old is, however, behind César Azpilicueta in the pecking order at Chelsea and may need to go out on loan to get some playing time to help in his development.
The young English full-back has featured in five games this season for Chelsea, scoring once and assisting once.
James did not feature at the start of the season due to injury, and he could only feature in League Cup games or FA Cup games, playing second fiddle to the Chelsea captain.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Reece James signing for Newcastle United:
Pros
James is quick and strong full-back, who can contribute in attack thanks to his dribbling ability as well as his crossing skills.
The teenager is technically very good and is a brilliant athlete who can contribute in both attack and defence.
The youngster is primarily a right-back, but he can also play as a centre-back as part of a back three or as a defensive midfielder, as he did last year when he was on loan at Wigan Athletic.
James is also a good passer and crosser, averaging 2.8 long balls per game last season, as well as 1.6 key passes per game.
He is also a good tackler, who gets back quickly to defend, using his pace and strength to dispossess the opponents.
Last season, he averaged 2.1 tackles per game for Wigan, and 2.2 clearances. If Newcastle United sign him, James could be a strong proponent going forward and will be a threat on the counter attack with his pace and passing.
Cons
James hasn’t been tested in the Premier League, and will find it tough in a struggling team like Newcastle United more than at Chelsea. The youngster has also just returned from injury and it remains to be seen if he can keep himself fit and injury-free.
Newcastle also have three first-team right-backs – DeAndre Ydelin, Emil Krafth, and Javier Manquillo, and signing another right-back will mean that they have too many players in one position.