Real Madrid went up against a fierce, organized Chelsea side in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Unfortunately, they nearly fell victim to a Remontada at the same stadium where they completed a miracle comeback over PSG just weeks earlier.
One young man is earning quite the credibility in world football. Reece James was already in for a great season, but his value only increased after a world-class performance against the Spanish Giants.
James played against the world-class Vinicius Jr. so well that Karim Benzema swapped shirts with the Chelsea right back.
As for Real Madrid, the right-back position has been a problem for them this season. We saw it again in the second leg of the Champions League, as Dani Carvajal struggled before ultimately pulling himself together in the end.
Carvajal has been shocking at times in the big games this season, and with Lucas Vázquez as his lone backup currently on the first team, Real has suffered at times.
The only other in-house option is loanee Álvaro Odriozola, but he has never shown the defensive quality or physicality necessary to be a starting fullback for Los Blancos.
James, on the other hand, has all tools. There may not be a better all-around right back in world football. Trent Alexander-Arnold, João Cancelo, and Achraf Hakimi may be higher rated, but none are as good as James defensively.
Still just 22 years old, James plays with the solidity and composure of a veteran and has become an important player for Chelsea, one of the most formidable clubs in the world.
James has emerged as a significant offensive threat from the right-back position with five goals and six assists, and Madridistas saw how good he is defensively through the two legs.
I cannot think of a single player who would help the team more than James.
Think about it. Real Madrid needs a right-back with great composure, athletic ability, and end product. James has shown these things for Chelsea in 2022/23. Once Mbappé is signed, there will be no more significant need than the right-back. Can you think of a right-back who is more than James?
