Reece James needs to prove three things at Chelsea next season – opinion

Chelsea captain Reece James is definitely a player that goes into next season with plenty of question marks against his name. There’s not going to be many Blues supporters that doubt the ability of Reece James , but it’s now up to him to win over new head coach Enzo Maresca . In a recent training video posted by Chelsea’s X account, James and Maresca were in deep conversation . Let’s hope it’s the start of a good relationship between them.

James, 24, hasn’t consistently been at his best for some time now. It would be such a boost to the entire squad if the right- back regains his form in the 2024/25 campaign. James definitely has a point to prove on the football pitch. There are three main things he must demonstrate at Chelsea next season…

Reece James must stay fit

First and foremost, James has somehow got to try play more games and be less injury prone. When you look at the amount of games he’s missed during five seasons in Chelsea’s first team, it’s extremely frustrating for everyone associated with the club.

There’s no doubt he’s one of the best full-backs in the world when fit and firing. Speaking on his BBC podcast in May, Kyle Walker described James as “complete” . Unfortunately, it counts for very little when you’re not on the pitch. Here below is the amount of Chelsea matches James has played in the last five years: Season Games Played (All Competitions)
2023/24 11
2022/23 24
2021/22 39
2020/21 47
2019/20 37

Reece James must be a leader

Next, it’s time to see just why James was appointed as Chelsea’s club captain last August. He succeeded former Blues star Cesar Azpilicueta as skipper in 2023, but he barely got to enjoy the role during his injury-hit 2023/24 season. On paper, James is a great fit as captain because he’s an academy graduate that knows the club inside out. On top of that, he’s shown in the past he can lead by example with his quality performances.

Unfortunately, one red flag is that he can still be a little rash in moments. The fact that he picked up two red cards in 10 Premier League appearances last season is a worry. As a result, he’ll still be serving a suspension when next season begins, so will be absent for the opening three league matches.

There’s still time for James to grow into the leader many think he can be, but he needs to be a bit smarter in his actions. When he was appointed captain just under a year ago, James said via Chelsea’s website : “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.”

Reece James must outperform Malo Gusto

The biggest obstacle that may be in James’ way could yet turn out to be his Chelsea teammate Malo Gusto. One of the biggest positives from last season at the club was definitely Gusto’s fantastic displays at right-back. If the 21-year-old defender keeps performing like he can do, perhaps it’s not a certainty that James replaces him in the starting XI.

There’s actually a warning that has been thrown down already by the Frenchman in pre-season. In a video on the Chelsea TikTok account, Gusto finished first in Chelsea’s bleep test , which highlights his running power at full-back. James is going to have to be at his sharpest to overtake Gusto. It could be a fascinating battle between the club teammates for the starting position.