The right-back position in modern football is more than just defensive responsibility—it requires attacking threat, tactical awareness, technical skill, and endurance. In the Premier League, two of the finest exponents of this role are Reece Jamesof Chelsea and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool. Former striker Darren Bent recently weighed in, favoring James for his all-round game, sparking renewed discussion about who truly is the league’s top right-back.

All-Round Ability vs. Specialization

Bent’s perspective highlights a key distinction between the two players: all-round ability versus specialized attacking excellence.

• Reece James: Known for combining defensive solidity with attacking contributions, James is a complete full-back. He can track back to thwart counter-attacks, intercept passes, and dominate duels while also providing width, crosses, and occasional goals. Bent emphasizes that James’ all-round package makes him the more versatile option.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold: Renowned for his incredible range of passing and attacking vision, Alexander-Arnold specializes in creating chances. His long balls, diagonal switches, and set-piece delivery are world-class, often turning defense into attack instantly. However, critics note that his defensive positioning can sometimes be exposed in high-intensity matches.

Bent summed it up: “I know Trent’s range of passing is better, but Reece is more complete as a full-back.” This encapsulates the ongoing debate: James excels in balance, Trent in specialization.

Technical Skills

Both players are technically gifted, but their strengths manifest differently:

• Reece James: Excels in one-on-one situations, crossing accuracy, and finishing. His ability to strike from distance, as seen in his free kick for England, adds another dimension to his game. Bent highlighted this: “Technically, Reece James is as good as they are… you saw his free kick for England, bang.”
• Trent Alexander-Arnold: His passing precision, vision, and timing make him a playmaker from the back. He can deliver long-range assists, unlock tight defenses, and dictate tempo in possession-heavy teams.

In essence, James combines defensive reliability with attacking flair, whereas Trent pushes the limits of what a right-back can do creatively.

Fitness and Endurance

A key consideration, according to Bent, is fitness and availability. Reece James has had intermittent injury concerns that have limited his consistency, whereas Alexander-Arnold has been more consistently available for Liverpool.

Fitness is critical in the modern Premier League, where full-backs often cover more than 11–12 km per match, alternating between high-intensity sprints and defensive recovery runs. While James’ raw talent is immense, his fitness record is a factor that slightly tempers his all-round potential.

Defensive Contributions

Defense is where the two players diverge more clearly:

• James: Strong in tackles, aerial duels, and positional awareness. He reads the game well and is often tasked with shutting down the opposition’s wingers. His defensive reliability is part of what Bent describes as the “all-round package.”
• Alexander-Arnold: Known to occasionally struggle in one-on-one defensive scenarios. Liverpool often compensates with midfielders covering his zone. However, his ability to recover possession quickly and launch counter-attacks offsets some defensive vulnerabilities.

Chelsea relies on James to provide stability at the back, giving their midfield and forwards more freedom to press, knowing the right flank is secure.

Attacking Impact

Both players have impressive attacking contributions:

• James: Overlaps, crosses, and late runs into the box are James’ trademarks. His goal threat is enhanced by his ability to strike from distance, making him unpredictable.
• Alexander-Arnold: Creativity defines Trent. His assists, through balls, and set-piece delivery are unmatched in the Premier League. He’s a constant attacking outlet, sometimes acting as an auxiliary playmaker.

Statistically, Trent often edges James in assists and key passes per game, but James’ combination of defensive work and attacking threat gives him a more balanced impact on overall team performance.

Mentality and Leadership

Beyond skills, both players exhibit strong mental attributes:

• James: Shows resilience, leadership, and determination. He has captained Chelsea in key matches and is praised for his professionalism in training and match preparation.
• Alexander-Arnold: Exhibits calmness under pressure, confidence in passing under tight conditions, and a fearless approach to risk-taking in attack.

Bent’s assessment subtly suggests that James’ mentality, combined with his all-round contributions, gives him the edge when considering a fully balanced right-back role.

International Impact

Both players also feature prominently for their national teams:

• Reece James: A key figure for England, capable of scoring from distance, defending robustly, and contributing assists. His free kick for England, mentioned by Bent, is a highlight of his technical capability.
• Alexander-Arnold: Regular for England as well, primarily used for his creative distribution and ability to influence build-up play from the back.

Internationally, James’ versatility may make him more adaptable in different tactical setups, while Trent’s attacking genius is often reserved for systems that maximize possession.

The Verdict

Bent’s endorsement of James over Alexander-Arnold reflects a key viewpoint: balance and all-round ability sometimes outweigh specialized brilliance. James may not have Trent’s long-range passing wizardry, but he brings stability, attacking threat, and defensive reliability in equal measure.

Chelsea fans can take pride in knowing their right-back is highly regarded by pundits for being technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and capable of influencing both ends of the pitch.

Final Thoughts

The James vs. Alexander-Arnold debate is far from settled. Both players represent the evolution of the modern full-back—athletic, technical, and capable of changing games. James offers the perfect blend of attack and defense, while Trent pushes the boundaries of creative contribution.