Reece James’s Surge

By: Randall Evans III

From the beginning of his Chelsea career Reece James seemed like a man destined to shine in the famous Chelsea blue. Before his exploits to become the youngest goal scorer in Champions League history in the 4-4 thriller against Ajax in the 2019 UEFA Champions League match. Before his ascension to the senior team, James captained the UEFA Youth League team with the U18s his phenomenal performance led to him being named the Academy Player of the Season. This would be the first of what you would expect of James’ leadership, that good run of form saw James sent to Wigan Athletic the former Premier league fixture in the early 2000s who at the time found themselves a team in The Championship. James' presence was immediately felt leading to James once again being given individual awards including player of the year.

As James's loan was to conclude Wigan were in financial ruin and James made a donation to the club to aid their efforts in a true humanitarian display. James soon became a player who became a regular player in the senior side as well, excelling under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel James ability to be deployed as right wing back or a traditional right back gives managers a favorable option. His technical ability to be a player who is composed with his back to goal and the speed and acceleration to close ground quickly; easily make James one of the best young defenders in the world. Partnering this with his tenacity that he seems to play with, and a voracious appetite to score goals, Reece James is another young defender featured in the best defense in the world. Against Newcastle United James showed just that with a wonderful half volley finish in the top left corner effectively putting Chelsea ahead 1-0 in the 65th minute. He followed that up with a seamlessly identical goal in the 77th minute sparking a dominant finish to a thrilling match. James is the latest example of how far a team can go with a world class manager, a top academy and quality that few in the world can match. Thomas Tuchel is truly building a team no one in the world wants to face.