Reece James says Tammy Abraham’s ‘numbers don’t lie’ as he praises ex-Chelsea team-mate

Reece James has urged football fans to pay some respect to in-form striker Tammy Abraham as he continues to impress in Italy.

The 24-year-old left Chelsea for £34million last summer to join Roma where he has rediscovered his top form and even a step beyond.

The England international has notched 23 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions – proving he can cut it among Europe’s best strikers since his arrival in the Serie A under Jose Mourinho. 

The 24-year-old has scored 23 goals in 40 appearances since his £35million move to Roma

The Englishman opted to make the move away having previously found himself behind Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge last season – with the Blues spending £97million on Lukaku last summer.

It has proved to be the right decision for the youngster, who has been recalled to the England squad and producing in both the Serie A and the Europa Conference League, while both Lukaku and Werner have fell behind Kai Havertz in the Blues pecking order. 

Belgian international Lukaku has scored 12 times in 34 appearances, only five of those coming in the Premier League since his return to west London. 

Chelsea right-back and former team-mate Reece James took to Instagram to say: ‘Number don’t lie. Pay some respect please.’   

Reece James took to Instagram to say: ‘Number don’t lie. Pay some respect please.’

Former Chelsea striker Abraham (right) netted twice in Roma’s 3-0 victory over rivals Lazio

His post came after the former Aston Villa loan star helped guide Roma to a 3-0 win over Lazio.

Victory puts Roma in sixth, eight points adrift of Juventus, who occupy fourth position.

But without the goals of Abraham it is difficult to envisage this group remaining in contention for Champions League football next season.

Abraham’s first on Sunday came inside the first minute when he hooked in from close range after reacting quickest to Lorenzo Pellegrini’s corner striking the crossbar.

Abraham became only the second Englishman to score in the prestigious derby match in Italy

That finish, after just 56 seconds, also saw Abraham become only the second Englishman to score in the prestigious derby match, second to Paul Gascoigne in 1992, who played for Lazio.

Abraham’s second came in acrobatic fashion as he volleyed in Rick Karsdorp’s cross.

Mourinho’s side added a third when Pellegrini produced a sumptuous 25-yard free-kick to seal victory.

Prior to his move to Italy, Abraham still managed to net 12 times in 32 appearances in all competitions last season, despite finding starts hard to come by.

The season before at the Blues he scored 18 goals in 47 appearances in his first full season in the Premier League – having spent a few seasons on loan at the likes of Aston Villa, Swansea City and Bristol City before he has given his chance.