It is quite easy to forget that even the most senior members of Liam Rosenior’s squad are still incredibly young. Moises Caicedo, for example, is a leader in this Chelsea side at just 24.
It feels like Cole Palmer has been around for years, and yet the England star is still only 23 and is at the beginning of his career. Chelsea do not boast any senior players above the age of 30 as things stand.
Even the manager is young. It is a deliberate ploy from the owners, only signing players who are young, largely because they can be given long-term contracts, and the resale value does not depreciate.
Harsh on Santos, but at home, let’s get as many attacking players on the pitch as possible 💪
Predicted Chelsea line-up for Leeds
It is a stark contrast to Leeds’ approach in the transfer window. On Tuesday night, the two sides do battle at Stamford Bridge, a Leeds side that have signed players between 26 and 30 in the past 12 months.
Reece James still sends shivers down Leeds United spines
Another Chelsea player who seems a lot older than just 26 is Reece James. Incredibly, the Chelsea skipper has clocked up 220 outings for the Blues and yet is still in his mid twenties. He’s also played for Wigan.
James’ name still sends a shiver down the spine of those of a Leeds persuasion, with Leeds coming to Stamford Bridge tonight. Marcelo Bielsa’s first season at Leeds ended in disappointment in 2018-19.
Reece James for Wigan
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Having pursued automatic promotion for the entire season, Spygate rivals Derby County eventually beat Leeds under Frank Lampard in the play-offs. But who derailed their automatic promotion hunt? James.
With four games left to play in 18-19, Leeds sat second in the Championship with a three-point buffer over third-placed Sheffield United. Ironically, Daniel Farke – now Leeds boss – was top with Norwich.
Leeds hosted Wigan in their fourth-last game. Leeds missed a penalty, Wigan went down to 10 men, and yet James’ side went on to win 2-1 at Elland Road. Leeds would pick up one point from the last four.
A James-inspired Wigan would ultimately succumb Leeds to the play-offs, which Bielsa’s side lost. Leeds would go up the next season, but the image of James in a Wigan shirt is nightmare stuff for Leeds fans.
Liam Rosenior delivers Reece James update ahead of Leeds
Now, James will be hoping he can play some part against Leeds. Rosenior will hope to have his captain available, as he looks to become only the second Englishman to win his first five Premier League matches.
START, BENCH, SELL: Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Reece James
Chelsea's top three players, but you can only start one! This should be interesting 👀
Cole Palmer of Chelsea (L) celebrates scoring
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Speaking on Monday, Rosenior confirmed James is fit again after missing the last two matches, but that the England international is suffering from illness. An illness that some staff have also picked up.
Rosenior sounded confident that James would be able to play some part and be involved at Stamford Bridge tonight. For Leeds fans, they will be hoping James won’t be able to exact more nightmares.
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