Pat Nevin names the Chelsea player he would take ‘every day of the week’ over Arsenal star
Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon in a London derby that will feature some top players.
Many are already looking forward to the midfield battle that is expected between Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
In the build-up to the match, Rice has spoken highly about Caicedo, with both men currently considered as the two best midfielders in the Premier League.
Who is the greatest to play for both Chelsea and Arsenal?
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However, it is not just in midfield where Chelsea and Arsenal have quality.
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Pat Nevin would choose a fit Reece James over Jurrien Timber
Right now, Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta will be happy with their full-back options. Reece James and Jurrien Timber are, without a doubt, two of the best right-backs in England.
If he had to choose between the two, though, former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin would go with James.
Making a Chelsea and Arsenal combined XI, Nevin said on Football Daily: “Jurrien Timber, possibly right now, but get yourself Reece James fit and I’d have him every day of the week.”
Reece James was on the scoresheet the last time Chelsea beat Arsenal. Who scored the other goal?
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James was one Chelsea player who wanted Barcelona before the Champions League draw was made and recently helped his side to beat Hansi Flick’s team.
The England international will now be hoping that he can inspire the Blues to another win on Sunday.
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Jurrien Timber has made a bigger impact than Reece James this season
In terms of ability, Chelsea supporters will feel that James is superior to Timber, which is understandable. The Chelsea captain can defend and attack, something that not every modern-day full-back can do.
However, there is no denying that Timber has been more influential than James in the current campaign. The Dutchman has played more minutes, scored more goals and is making more tackles than his Chelsea counterpart.
PlayerLeague appsMinutesGoalsAssistsTackles per gameReece James12753121.5Jurrien Timber12973222.8Via Reece James’ WhoScored and Jurrien Timber’s WhoScored pages
James is also fighting Malo Gusto for the right-back spot in Chelsea’s team, while Timber has it locked down in Arsenal’s side.
It does not mean that the latter is better than the former, but he has made a bigger impact this season.
If James scores the winner or sets one up on Sunday afternoon, though, the conversation becomes even more interesting.
