It’s been positive to see Reece James go from strength to strength with his fitness, and John Obi Mikel has noticed something else he really likes about the Chelsea captain.
Most importantly, Reece James, 25, has kept himself fit and regularly playing in this calendar year. The Chelsea star appears to have got over frequent injury interruptions, even if rival fans haven’t quite clocked on to that yet.
He’s completed 90 minutes in the previous five consecutive Premier League matches, which is something he’s not done since the 2021-22 campaign.
James has worked closely with people behind the scenes to improve his fitness. For Chelsea, it’s brilliant because he’s one of the standout individuals in the squad, performing at a level where he’s one of the world’s elite right-backs.
Chelsea captain Reece James greets fans as he arrives at Stamford Bridge before playing Sunderland in the Premier League.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
John Obi Mikel notices the growth of Reece James as a leader
John Obi Mikel, the former Chelsea midfielder, has delivered glowing praise on James for his development as a leader.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said: “Reece James, who’s growing into that leadership role. I like what I’m seeing from Reece James right now. He’s a bit more vocal. You can see the leadership qualities coming to him very, very naturally as well.”
James, who was officially appointed as Chelsea’s club captain in 2023, doesn’t have a reputation as a leader who shouts and screams at his teammates. Instead, the full-back’s character is around being a composed footballer, both on and off the pitch.
Back in February, Mikel told James to start showing more leadership. He said: “Reece James needs to do more as a captain. But you can only do more by being on the pitch and showing leadership. He’s been injured half of his career at Chelsea.”
Thankfully, things have drastically improved as the England international continues to grow in 2025.
Reece James after Chelsea against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Breaking down Reece James’ career
Quite obviously, James’ senior career can be split into a few segments so far.
After coming through academy football at Chelsea, the first section of his journey was a season-long loan at Wigan Athletic, where he thrived for large spells in central midfield.
Next, he enjoyed a breakthrough into the first team under Frank Lampard, emerging as one of the most exciting young right-backs around. It then led to him playing an important part in the side that won the 2021 Champions League.
Of course, what followed was the frustrating spell for a few years that has provided so many injury interruptions.
Thankfully, James could now be in the next phase of his career, which is when he captains Chelsea and dominates as part of Enzo Maresca’s young side. James is an inspiration for Josh Acheampong, along with other Chelsea youngsters, so he’s got the capacity to lead as the skipper.