Chelsea fans are happy about the news of academy graduate Reece James getting the captain’s armband for the foreseeable future.
The right-back spent an initial year of his development at the Cobham Academy grounds before moving to Fulham in 2007. He returned in 2008 and has been at the club ever since, making his senior debut in 2018. After a loan spell at Wigan Athletic, he returned to the club where he has held down the right-back spot since.
He has seen the departures of a number of brilliant players including fellow academy graduate Mason Mount, who moved to Manchester United in June. Now, the 23-year-old will become Chelsea’s new captain for the foreseeable future, further proving his loyalty to the club despite the myriad of transfer news that has surrounded him since he broke into the team in 2019.
James was chosen ahead of veteran Thiago Silva as the replacement for long-term captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who joined Atlético de Madrid in June, ending his decade-long association with the Blues.
Speaking to the club’s official website on why he chose to go for James ahead of the more senior players in the team, manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “This is a decision taken by me and the club. We are very pleased Reece will captain the side this season.
“He leads by example and his attitude and dedication to Chelsea has been clear throughout pre-season. He proudly wore the armband during our summer tour and will take up the challenge of leading our squad with his own approach and ideas.”
James expressed excitement about the new responsibility, saying, “I’m so happy to take on the role and responsibility.
“I know I’ve got big shoes to fill because we have had huge captains here in the past, but I am excited.
“I have been at Chelsea pretty much my whole life. I started here when I was six and to come through the academy is tough. But to go on and become captain, it’s a great feeling for me and my family.”
The right-back’s appointment as the club’s new captain also appears to be a popular choice in the dressing room. Defender and fellow Chelsea academy graduate Trevor Chalobah recently told the club’s official website that he would like for James to be given the armband.
“Being captain is a massive thing for Chelsea. Reece has his desires and hopefully he does get it. He constantly shows his qualities on the pitch, and he is a leader,” Chalobah said when Pochettino was still in the process of finding Azpilicueta’s replacement.
James will lead the Blues out for the first time against Liverpool on Sunday 13 August 2023.
