Chelsea captain Reece James has been phenomenal this season, and Joe Cole has noticed.
James is the longest-serving Blue currently at the club, in the midst of his seventh Premier League campaign.
There have been some fitness issues along the way, but James’ injury woes appear to be behind him — knock on wood.
He has developed into a complete footballer and the leader of this Chelsea side, and Cole thinks this season has shown us a new version of the right-back.
Chelsea defender Reece James knocks Tottenham attacker Xavi Simons off the ball
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Joe Cole has high praise for Chelsea’s Reece James
In the buildup to Chelsea’s trip to Burnley, Cole singled out James for his performances this season.
The former Chelsea star has been really impressed with him, even more so in the last couple of months.
During TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage, Cole said: “Every dealing I’ve had with him, he’s quiet, calm and assured, you can be that type of leader, and he has that.
“He’s building this calmness, this style he’s maturing, he’s figuring out his body. I think he’s a different player to the one who burst onto the scene, he’s working it out, he’s a credit to himself and to Chelsea.”
Cole thinks the captain has gone up a level in terms of performance, but also in maturity. James sets the example at Chelsea. He’s still only 25, but he’s one of the senior figures at the club.
James given second half off against Burnley
Maresca took James off at the break at Turf Moor, replacing him with Benoit Badiashile.
It didn’t hurt the Blues at all, and now means the captain will be fresh and ready for the upcoming Champions League tie with the Spanish champions.
Who was your player of the match vs Burnley?
The same can be said for Estevao and Moises Caicedo. Roll on Tuesday.