Joe Cole describes James as a ‘machine’ after his impressive performance against Juventus

‘His touch is velvet… and when he gets in front of goal it’s like your top, top strikers’ level of composure and technique’: Reece James leaves Joe Cole in awe after his brilliant display against Juventus

  • Former midfielder Joe Cole has heaped praise on Chelsea star Reece James 
  • James scored Chelsea’s second goal during their 4-0 thumping of Juventus
  • The result at Stamford Bridge puts them top of their Champions League Group
  • Cole described James as a ‘machine’ and named him his man of the match 


Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has heaped praise on Reece James after his impressive performance against Juventus on Tuesday night. 

James scored Chelsea’s second goal of the evening to help Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Juventus 4-0 and go top of their Champions League Group. 

Cole described James as an absolute ‘machine’ after witnessing his ‘strength, athleticism and technical ability’ during his time as a player at Chelsea.  

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has heaped praise on Reece James (above) after his impressive performance against Juventus on Tuesday night

James played a starring role in Chelsea’s victory over Juventus on Tuesday night. His goal summed up a well-rounded performance for the youngster.

The defender chested the ball down and fired a powerful strike past Wojciech Szczesny to secure the Blues’ second goal of the night. 

Speaking about James and his Champions League performance, Cole  told BT Sport: ‘I have been banging the drum for Reece James for years. 

‘I remember coming back and training with the team after being in America. 

James (above) scored Chelsea's second goal of the evening to help Thomas Tuchel's side beat Juventus 4-0 and go top of their Champions League Group

James (above) scored Chelsea’s second goal of the evening to help Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Juventus 4-0 and go top of their Champions League Group

Cole (above) described James as an absolute 'machine' after witnessing his 'strength, athleticism and technical ability' during his time as a player at Chelsea

Cole (above) described James as an absolute ‘machine’ after witnessing his ‘strength, athleticism and technical ability’ during his time as a player at Chelsea

‘I was blown away by his technical ability. Especially for such a big, strong, athletic lad. 

‘His touch is velvet, he makes the right pass, takes the right decisions. And when he gets in front of goal it is like your top, top strikers’ level of composure and technique.’ 

When asked who his man-of-the-match was later on in the discussion, Cole said: ‘It has to be Reece James. 

‘It could have been five, six, seven. But he was just a machine. Take the goal out of it – it was every part of his game.’ 

As it stands, James is one of only two players to have scored more than five goals and register more than five assists in all competitions for a Premier League club this season.

The only other player to have achieved the same feat is Liverpool superstar, Mohamed Salah. 

Cole (middle) recalled the time he returned from America to Chelsea training and witnessed James in action for the first time

Cole (middle) recalled the time he returned from America to Chelsea training and witnessed James in action for the first time 

Fans were quick to agree with Cole – taking to Twitter to claim that James was better than Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

One fan Tweeted saying: ‘Reece James is so clear of Trent it’s ridiculous, no debate anymore, play him anywhere on the pitch, he’s a monster.’

Another added: ‘Reece James is the best RB in the world, can’t believe people compare Trent to him with their chest.’