Reece James had another brilliant game for Chelsea on Tuesday night despite being on the losing team.
James and his teammates were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta in the Champions League. However, it was the defender who set up Chelsea’s goal.
He may be a right-back, but James has been playing in midfield lately and has thrived there.
START, BENCH, SELL: Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Malo Gusto
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella coming on for Malo Gusto
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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The 26-year-old is also thriving as club captain, but that has not always been the case.
An injured Liam Delap of Chelsea holds his shoulder as he speak with Reece James
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Reece James struggled to make an impact as captain because of injuries
James received the armband in 2023 following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta, but he rarely got to play in the 2023/24 season because of injuries.
It made it difficult for him to lead his teammates, something the England international has admitted.
Speaking to Stan Sport, James said: “When I got the role it was quite difficult. I wasn’t fit on a regular basis, it was quite start-stop, so to have the impact on the team I wanted was super difficult at the start, but the more I’ve played and stayed healthy, it’s been much easier to grow into that role.”
Jason Cundy recently spoke about James and how he has been playing since returning to full fitness, with the former Chelsea defender believing that he is starting to trust his body again.
While James has overcome his injury woes, there are other players in Enzo Maresca’s squad who have not. The main example is Romeo Lavia, who is currently sidelined. The midfielder has made just four appearances in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea defender Reece James looking disappointed after Brentford draw
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Why Reece James deserves the armband more than any other Chelsea player
James has been at Chelsea his whole life, is an exceptional footballer and now one of the oldest players in the Blues’ squad.
When you consider those three things, there is not a player at Stamford Bridge who is more worthy of the captain’s armband than James.
It is true, as the England star has admitted himself, he has not always been able to showcase his leadership skills. Last season, Maresca was very critical of James for not doing enough in the changing room.
But a lot has changed since then, and you now often see James leading the Chelsea team in any way he can. It has taken a couple of years, but James is now a solid captain.
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