Eden Hazard is currently assisting in the unveiling of the new Chelsea uniform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reece James must demonstrate three things at Chelsea during the upcoming season

It is unlikely that there will be many Blues supporters who question Reece James’ capabilities; however, it is now his responsibility to convince new head coach Enzo Maresca.

James and Maresca were engaged in a profound conversation in a recent training video that was shared by Chelsea’s X account. We can only hope that this marks the beginning of a positive relationship between them.

James, 24, has not been at his most effective for an extended period of time. The entire squad would receive a significant boost if the right-back were to reclaim his form during the 2024/25 campaign.

The football arena is undoubtedly the place where James has a point to prove. He is required to exhibit three primary qualities at Chelsea during the forthcoming season…Reece James is required to maintain his physical fitness.Initially, James must endeavor to participate in a greater number of games and to be less susceptible to injury.

The number of games he has missed during his five seasons in Chelsea’s first team is a source of great frustration for all those who are affiliated with the club.He is without a doubt one of the most exceptional full-backs in the world when he is in peak condition. Kyle Walker characterized James as “complete” during an interview on his BBC podcast in May. Regrettably, it is of minimal significance when one is not on the field.

James has participated in the following number of Chelsea matches over the past five years:Reece James must possess leadership qualities.The subsequent step is to determine the specific reasons for James’ appointment as Chelsea’s club captain in August of last year. Although he succeeded former Blues star Cesar Azpilicueta as captain in 2023, he was unable to fully appreciate the position during the injury-plagued 2023/24 season.On paper, James is an ideal candidate for the role of captain due to his extensive knowledge of the club, which is a result of his graduation from the academy. Additionally, he has demonstrated his ability to lead by example through his exceptional performances in the past.

Regrettably, he is still capable of occasional impulsivity, which serves as a red flag. The fact that he received two red cards in ten Premier League appearances last season is a cause for concern. Consequently, he will be unable to participate in the first three league matches of the upcoming season due to his ongoing suspension.

James still has the potential to develop into the leader that many believe he can be, but he must be more thoughtful in his actions.

James stated on Chelsea’s website that he had been a Chelsea player for the majority of his life when he was named captain just under a year ago. I began my tenure at the academy at the age of six, and it is a challenging endeavor to complete it. However, the prospect of advancing to the position of captain is an exhilarating experience for my family and me.

Malo Gusto must be surpassed by Reece James.James’ greatest challenge may yet be his Chelsea teammate Malo Gusto.

Last season’s exceptional performances by Gusto at right-back were undoubtedly one of the club’s most significant assets.

James may not necessarily supplant the 21-year-old defender in the starting lineup if he continues to demonstrate his capabilities.

The Frenchman has already issued a warning during the preseason. Gusto’s sprinting prowess at full-back was underscored in a video posted to the Chelsea TikTok account, where he emerged victorious in the team’s bleep test.

In order to surpass Gusto, James will need to be at his most alert. The competition for the starting position among the club colleagues may prove to be quite captivating.