Chelsea are grooming Reece James for captaincy role in the future
According to The Telegraph (Subcstiption Reuired), Chelsea are grooming star Reece James quietly so that he is ready to take up the captaincy role in the future.
James, who has missed a lot of games this season due to different injury issues, has been back to full fitness in the last few weeks and slotted himself back into his customary right-back position.
Talking about the England international, Chelsea manager Graham Potter is already confident that he will become a club legend in times to come.
As of now, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta. While the Spaniard signed a new two-year deal last summer, he may be allowed to leave in the summer if he wishes to.
The vice-captain is 38-year-old centre-back, Thiago Silva. Although the Brazilian has signed a one-year extension that will keep him at Stamford Bridge till 2024, he cannot be perceived as a long-term captaincy option.
Mason Mount is an option to take over the armband, but his future is in doubt following a stand-off in contract negotiations. The 24-year-old may well leave Chelsea in the coming summer too.
So, it makes sense why the Blues are banking on James to become their future captain. The 23-year-old is a fantastic player who has the traits to be a leader of the team.
After spending massive amounts in the last two transfer windows, Chelsea have lowered the average age of the squad with top young players arriving at the club.
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With the new team taking shape soon, a player like James leading them would be apt. The Englishman has the drive, passion and hunger for the game that can motivate a young squad to give everything on the field. Moreover, it is better to groom a young player for this sort of role, rather than handing it to a veteran.
