Wigan Athletic old-boy tipped to oust Liverpool superstar

That’s the view of Mario Melchiot, who says his successor in both the Chelsea and Latics No.2 spot has potentially even more quality – in attack and defence – than his highly-rated Liverpool counterpart, as well as Manchester United’s £50million man Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

“When you talk about Alexander-Arnold, I’m excited about him and the way he plays,” said Melchiot speaking exclusively to 888Sport.

“He switches the play really comfortably. Wan-Bissaka is more defensive.

“But Reece James has the ability, he has the strength, he has the speed to keep up with people, and he knows how to work it.

“There are still a couple of things he needs to add to his game.

“But if he can become a regular with Chelsea he can compete with those two guys and why wouldn’t he want to do that?

"That’s why we play football – to compete with the best.”

James, who turns 21 in December, is 14 months younger than Alexander-Arnold and 25 months the junior of Wan-Bissaka.

He was fast-tracked into the England senior ranks at the beginning of the campaign for the first time.

Read the full 888sport interview with Mario Melchiot here