Reece James is one of us, he loves Chelsea and the fans love him. His performances have been consistent, full of quality and what’s more he came through Chelsea’s youth system. He understands the clubs values and can appreciate that he was given a chance.
That is essential, because many young players have potential but they often don’t get an opportunity to show what they can do.
Reece told the official club website in an interview back in August;
“My first football memory was when I was getting scouted for Chelsea. I was in a tournament when I was seven and we won it. When I first arrived at Chelsea, I used to come in once a week on a Friday night to the dome at Cobham. I was a striker but then moved to midfield for a couple of seasons. Then, when I was about 15, I found myself playing right-back because there were better players in midfield,”
There are many examples of youngsters who did not achieve there maximum, that is fortunately not a case for Reece. Frank Lampard believed in him and Thomas Tuchel quickly found out just how good he was.
Reece is responsible in defence and also extremely productive at going forwards in attack. His two goals against Newcastle United at the weekend were proof of his progress this season.
Reece is physically well-prepared and eager to win every single battle on the pitch, his football hunger seems to be infinite.
The young defender had this to say about his position;
“Now full-back is a very key position in every team. Before right-backs and left-backs were just seen as that, right-backs and left-backs, and they didn’t really move, but now they are on the ball more, and much more attacking. You have to be very fit and able to attack and defend,”
It’s not a surprise that Tuchel and Southgate continue to play him regularly despite his young age. Many people forget Reece is still only at the start of his career, and can play for the next 12 or 15 years.
What is equally important, Reece is very humble and during difficult times he was helping people in need with his charity work which is inspirational.
During the Champions League final against Manchester City in May Reece showed just how good he was. Pep Guardiola’s City team couldn’t work out a way through him, he’s got pace, endurance, and has a powerful strike with both feet.
Chelsea have a treasure in this player and club management know it. When Manchester City tried to sign him in the summer the response from Chelsea was very quick and strict, he is not for sale, in fact he is untouchable.
According to Transfermarkt, his market value is around £45.5 million, that’s expected to rise if he keeps playing like he did at the weekend.
These words sum him up perfectly;
“Every time I went to Stamford Bridge as a kid, I always wondered what it was like to walk out with the crowd cheering and that was the day I did it. My family were there, and I don’t think they could have been happier, either.“
