LONDON: New Chelsea manager Graham Potter was the last to gush about Reece James after the full-back scored a stunning last goal in Wednesday’s (5 Oct) 3-0 Champions League win over AC Milan outstanding achievement.
Defensively, James responded brilliantly to eventually quell the early muscular threat from Rafael Leao and then found himself advancing into space to become a constant threat.
It was his cross that converted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang into the crucial second goal early in the second half, and he then thundered down the right after another overlapping run in the third.
“He’s just a fantastic player and a young player who is constantly developing and getting better,” Potter said of the man who topped the engagement list with 99 touches.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with him. He’s just amazing and my job is to try and help him reach his potential. We love him, he’s so important to us. He could be a Chelsea Be a legend, but he has to be.” To be part of a successful team.”
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole said: “Reece James was great all night. There aren’t enough superlatives for him.”
Potter said his team put in a very good overall performance. “Apart from the end of the first half, they didn’t have many chances and that says a lot about how we defended as a unit,” he said.
“The lads were really open, responsible, honest and fantastic to work with. They knew their level had dropped a bit and that’s great from a manager’s point of view.”
After taking a point from their opening two games, Wednesday’s victory put Chelsea back in the game in a crowded group and they will need to back that up in the second leg in Italy next week.
“It was an important win, but there is still a long way to go in the competition,” Potter said. “We’re looking forward to going to San Siro. The guest support here has been very loud tonight and it will be a big challenge for us.”
One man who is particularly looking forward to it is Aubameyang, who spent the early part of his career there without ever making the Milan senior squad.
The well-travelled striker said he was enjoying himself at his last club after arriving from Barcelona this season. “I feel good. I’ve been made very welcome by all the players and staff,” he said.
“It was a bit strange playing against them after so many years but that’s football,” he added, having spent three years at the Italian club.
The only bad news for Potter was an injury to first goalscorer Wesley Fofana, who will have to be assessed on Thursday. “We’re concerned and we just have to hope for the best,” he said.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli was animated on the touchline throughout the evening, but his desperation didn’t transmit to his players, who managed one tame shot on goal all night.
“We started well but then we made a lot of bad decisions and definitely could have done better,” said Pioli.
“The second goal was crucial, it changed our attitude. At this level, you can’t afford to slow down.”