Blues legend John Terry has singled out one Chelsea star he thinks can play a key role at Stamford Bridge in the new season.
Going into the 2025/26 campaign, Chelsea have divided opinions; some believe they can challenge for the Premier League title, while others believe they will still be far from it. However, what’s undeniable is that there’s a lot of superb young talent in Enzo Maresca’s current squad.
Wayne Rooney’s prediction on Chelsea is that they will finish fourth in the upcoming league campaign, which kicks off on Friday night with the opening round of fixtures.
The Blues secured fourth spot to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of last season. However, Tony Cascarino tips Chelsea to compete for the Premier League title, so let’s wait and see if they can keep up with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
John Terry watches Chelsea U18s v Norwich City U18s.
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John Terry thinks Reece James will be pivotal for Chelsea
According to former Blues captain John Terry, current Chelsea skipper Reece James can have a giant impact on Maresca’s team.
Terry told The Sun: “For Reece, concentrate on staying fit and having a fully-fit season for him is the most important thing. He can make such a difference.
“We’ve seen the quality. When Reece is at it, he is the world’s best right-back.
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“When you’ve picked up a couple of injuries like Reece has had, it’s difficult to really feel like you belong. So when you start demanding from people around you, when you’re the one not playing, that’s also very difficult.
“When you’re in the starting line-up week in, week out, it’s easy to command and run the dressing room — and the standards of the football club.”
Reece James arrives at the stadium prior to SE Palmeiras v Chelsea FC: Quarter Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Of course, James’ career has been regularly disrupted by injuries recently. It has been great to see the talented defender bounce back in 2025, though.
We agree that the 25-year-old is in the mix for the world’s very best right-back when he’s fit and firing, so it’s obvious that the Blues need their captain available.
Darren Bent rates Chelsea star James as the best right-back in the Premier League right now.
Blues youngster Josh Acheampong called James a “role model”, and the academy graduate is an incredible success story at the club. The frightening thing is that he can still achieve so much more in Chelsea colours if he stays healthy.
Reece James celebrates after Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Reece James bounced back last season
Chelsea supporters feel a lot more confident when James is on the football pitch, even though Malo Gusto is a very strong understudy at full-back.
After a couple of really tough years, the England international did bounce back last season, playing a key role for the Blues in the second half of the campaign.
Season Appearances (All competitions)
2024/25 32
2023/24 11
2022/23 24
2021/22 39
2020/21 47
The record of Reece James at Chelsea in the last five years
Many people have raised question marks around Chelsea’s defence going into the new season, largely around the centre-back and goalkeeper positions. However, people should be focused on the world-class options available to them at full-back.