Former Chelsea star, Daniel Sturridge, hailed the performance of Reece James in the Blues’ hard-fought draw with Arsenal.
He called the versatile England international a ‘beast’ in midfield up against the Gunners.
Ten men Chelsea held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in a tense London derby.
Trevoh Chalobah put Chelsea in front with a second-half header but Mikel Merino equalised for the visitors.
Chelsea, whose midfield engine room, Moises Caicedo, was shown a straight red card in the first half for a wild and reckless challenge on Merino, kept their cool until the final whistle.
James was moved into midfield following the red to Caicedo and the Englishman did not disappoint his manager, turning in an excellent, all-action performance to help keep Arsenal at bay.
James held his own formidably against the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Sturridge told Sky Sports, “He’s become a senior player, he’s been at the club nearly 20 years.
“He has struggled with injuries throughout his career but no doubt he’s an absolutely unbelievable football player.
“The versatility he brings to the team, the set pieces, he has all the tools to play midfield and right-back. He was an absolute beast today. He gave them so much running power in midfield.”
The draw meant that the Blues remained six points behind Arsenal and one behind Manchester City who now occupies the second spot in the table.
