Chelsea has missed Reece James. There are no two ways about it.
The full-back’s energy and passes down the right side of the pitch adds a different dimension to the London side’s attack and the player is even solid defensively, adding robustness to the side.
His last game for the club was a 2-0 win against Milan in the Champions League before his knee injury ruled him out, probably till after the World Cup, which is devastating news for England’s guaranteed starter.
His unavailability has prompted Graham Potter to tinker with the formation and the players, with Trevoh Chalobah, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek filling in for him in various capacities.
Chelsea have only won once and drawn two games in James’ absence.
Reece, on his part, is doing everything he can to get back quickly and also be there for his club, supporting from the stands like a true fan.
No training means he has had a lot of off time and by the looks of it, Reece has put this time to use.
In Manchester United’s game against Chelsea on Saturday, James was spotted in the stands with a headline-worthy hairdo.
Reece’s haircuts have made the news before, like the heart shape or the pink colour, but this one is the most radical of them all.
During the match that ended 1-1 thanks to Casemiro’s injury-time equalizer, the England International was spotted with a new green hairstyle.
And he has been mocked relentlessly since, with Twitter drawing comparisons to a Minecraft block, Grinch, Watermelon, and other things.
To go with his hair, Reece donned a green puffer, which is no ordinary jacket.
The coat is part of The North Face and Gucci collab collection. The Italian-made jacket costs a whopping £2,100 and can be purchased on their site.
Back on the pitch though, Manchester United would be ruing the missed opportunity. A Chelsea backline missing Reece James and new signing Kalidou Koulibaly was there for the taking but the United front line failed to capitalize.
After a match that was equal parts boring and competitive, it burst into life in the final few minutes, but was not triggered by United.
It was, in fact, the London club that went ahead thanks to a typically coolly taken spot kick by Jorginho after Scott McTominay fouled Armando Broja in the box.
McTominay’s midfield partner Casemiro spared The Red Devil’s blushes when he met Luke Shaw’s corner kick in the fourth minute of added time.
Points being shared means the two clubs stay put on the table, with the blue side at fourth and the red ones at fifth and only a point off the Top 4.
While it is nice to see Reece supporting the team in Stamford Bridge and being fashionable while doing it, club and country supporters would be hoping to get him back as soon as possible.
