Chelsea captain Reece James is certainly in the conversation for the player of the year for the Blues as 2025 comes to an end.
Everyone was well aware of the quality James possessed, however his nightmare injury record in recent years has stopped him being able to contribute as much as he would like.
Fast forward to December 2025, and it has been over a year since the England international suffered a serious issue, allowing him to build up his fitness.
The captain steps up 💪
When's the last time you saw a free-kick that pretty?
Reece James celebrates Chelsea goal
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James was the star man against Newcastle in their most recent game, scoring a stunning free-kick to drag them back into the game after falling 2-0 behind.
Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League
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Chelsea players taking note of Reece James’ leadership
The skipper is certainly leading by example, however his leadership is what is catching the eye at the moment as the 26-year-old grows into his role at the club.
Journalist Matt Law has stated that he is hearing that the Chelsea players are beginning to listen to James more around the dressing room and training ground as a genuine leader.
He said to the ‘London is Blue‘ podcast: “And I hear more and more about him, about him around the training ground, about him around the dressing room. He’s listened to, he’s a voice.
“And he is just such a sensational player, whether it’s at right back or in midfield. I mean, we talk so much about Palmer and Caicedo. And in actual fact, someone messaged me the other day and said, there’s Chelsea with Reece James and there’s Chelsea without Reece James.”
Reece James and Enzo Maresca for Chelsea
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Chelsea building around James again
The plan at Stamford Bridge will have always been to build around the Cobham graduate, however there were points they will have genuinely been doubting if that would be possible.
Enzo Maresca deserves credit for protecting James as he built up his fitness again, and now they are able to plan their side around him again.
SCENARIO: You are one of Chelsea’s sporting directors and Todd Boehly has given you £60m to spend in January. Who are you signing?
Your potential shortlist could include:
Kobbie Mainoo
Mike Maignan
Marc Guehi
Todd Boehly and Paul Winstanley during Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
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He has excelled in a midfield position in recent weeks, however Chelsea want to sign a new midfielder to allow James to return to the right-back position where he broke through.
Frequent injuries to Romeo Lavia have seen their options limited, however there is a desire for him and Malo Gusto to be battling for the position in defence again.
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