Thiago Silva claims Reece James can become 'one of the best players in history'

Thiago Silva claims Chelsea teammate Reece James can become "one of the best players in history" if he continues to display a "winning mentality".

James produced a superb display in Chelsea's 3-0 win over AC Milan on Wednesday, helping the Blues keep a clean sheet , registering an assist and then scoring the third and final goal in the second half.

The England international's display was praised by Rio Ferdinand, who claimed he has the edge on fellow right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold at the moment.

James has grown into a vital asset for Chelsea both defensively and going forward, with the 22-year-old boasting well over 100 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

And Silva, who plays in the same backline as him, has paid him the ultimate compliment - tipping him to become one of the very best.

"He’s a very young athlete but looks like he’s been playing football for so many years," Silva told Hayters after the win over former club Milan.

"It’s easy to talk about him because he is someone I really like.

"I hope he can continue with this winning mentality because he is a guy who works really hard and deserves all this success. "He is one of the strengths of our team, both offensively and defensively.

"I hope he can continue like this, because is he keeps this winning mentality he has everything to be one of the best in history."

James was up against AC Milan hotshot Rafael Leao at Stamford Bridge and completely nullified the Portugal international's threat.

The former Lille winger was so impressed by James and believes he is his toughest ever opponent thus far.

"James is a good player, he was all over me and everywhere at the same time, he timed his runs very fine," Leo told somtosport, as per Goal.

"I hardly talk about opposing players but this guy is actually the toughest I have faced I think. He scored a goal too against us and that’s something you don’t get from every defender."

With Kyle Walker a doubt for the World Cup after undergoing surgery, James may well find himself as first-choice under Gareth Southgate.