'Ridiculous talent' James compared to Chelsea legend who was loved by Mourinho

A depleted Blues side were ultimately left disappointed when an injury-time volley from Magomed Ozdoyev denied them top spot in Group H.

However, there were some positives: Romelu Lukaku ended his goal drought, Timo Werner scored twice, and James might've emerged as their solution in midfield.

Thomas Tuchel has been without Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante in recent weeks - and the midfield crisis has led to a dip in form.

With ongoing question marks over Atletico Madrid loanee Saul Niguez, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has struggled to carry the Chelsea midfield on his own, as Ross Barkley failed to impress on Wednesday night.

However, James looked totally at ease in the central midfield position.

The 22-year-old played there on numerous occasions while on loan at Wigan during the 2018/19 campaign, earning a place in the Championship Team of the Season.

And Ferdinand was left gobsmacked by his smooth transition from right-back. The legendary defender told BT Sport: "He's a ridiculous talent.

"We spoke about right-backs in this country with huge talent dictating games - he went into midfield and looked like he'd been playing there all his life.

"He was dominating, passing, breaking things up.

"He's an integral part of the team there. You win games in the central midfield area a lot of the time, that battle in there.

"He's gone in there in a Champions League game and produced a performance that is getting people talking about him.

"Only top players can do that, are intelligent enough to adapt to different positions. You don't worry about those players.

"The way Reece goes into different areas of the pitch, when he receives it in the middle of the pitch he looks so comfortable."

Hargreaves, an ex-midfielder who was sometimes forced to play at right-back for the Red Devils, compared James to another famous utility player - Michael Essien.

Nicknamed 'The Bison' and 'The Train', the Ghanaian midfielder was loved by the Chelsea fans for playing wherever he was needed.

Initially used at right-back and in central defence, Essien ended up being picked out of position over specialists.

Jose Mourinho, who brought him to Stamford Bridge in 2005, ranked him up there with his very favourite players.

"I loved so many of my players but I think Michael would be on the podium for sure," he said in a recent interview.

Hargreaves told BT Sport: "He [James] reminds me of Essien playing in there.

"Powerful. He can cover ground, play on his own, get up against people one-vs-one, he's such a great player."

And when asked about James' weaknesses, Hargreaves added: "Nothing. Nothing. I don't think he's got one.

"He's the most complete right-back (in England). He can play (in midfield) without question."