Marcus Bettinelli was on Chelsea’s books between 2021 and 2025, so he’s seen up close the rise of Reece James at Stamford Bridge.
Reece James, who’s a product of the Chelsea academy, made his first-team debut for the Blues in 2019.
He’s not really looked back since.
Even though the 25-year-old defender has had some injury problems along the way, he’s still recognised by most supporters as one of the world’s best right-backs when he’s fit and firing.
James has made 199 senior appearances so far for his boyhood club, winning five major trophies. In addition, he’s been the club captain since succeeding Cesar Azpilicueta and taking the armband in the 2023 summer.
Captain of Chelsea. A real honour & proud moment for me & my family.
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone that helped on the journey.
The role is new to me but I’ll do everything to lead our club back to where we belong. Winning titles.
See you at the Bridge. pic.twitter.com/BWmKFFLU3A
— Reece James (@ReeceJames) August 9, 2023
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Frank Lampard handed James his Chelsea debut when he was the manager, which has turned out to be a crucial moment in the team’s modern history.
Reece James during Chelsea against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Marcus Bettinelli insists Reece James could play anywhere
Manchester City goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, 33, thinks anybody who’s ever played with James will tell you just how good he really is.
He also made the fascinating claim that the England international could play anywhere on the pitch.
Speaking on Fozcast – The Ben Foster Podcast, Bettinelli said: “Reece James is a scandal. If you ask any footballer that has played with RJ or seen him at England, Reece is frightening… He can play anywhere. I’m not joking, he can play anywhere.”
In fairness, the Chelsea skipper has popped up at left-back and central midfield at times under Enzo Maresca. James even had a cameo at centre-half in the Premier League win against Liverpool before the international break.
Josh Acheampong claims James would make the best striker out of Chelsea’s defenders and midfielders, something that makes sense when you see how cleanly he can shoot.
Marcus Bettinelli warms up before Chelsea against Manchester City in the Premier League.
Photo by Jan Kruger – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Is Reece James available vs Nottingham Forest?
On Saturday afternoon, Chelsea travel to face Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
It’s been confirmed via Chelsea’s official website that James is fit and available for selection against Forest despite not joining up with England for their recent international fixtures.
Most importantly, the attack-minded right-back is keeping himself fit in 2025. Unsurprisingly, Chelsea are delighted with Maresca because of his clever management with James.