Now Chelsea captain, James is a senior figure within the group and the biggest demon he’s got to fight is his own fitness.

The quality right-back has only played six games across all competitions so far this season, but we hope this two-week period over the international break has given him extra time to get fully fit. Speaking via talkSPORT (7:49am, 22 November), Gabby Agbonlahor recently suggested that England boss Gareth Southgate may hold a grudge against James for snubbing an international call-up this month.

Mauricio Pochettino praise

Chelsea’s head coach has made the bold claim that James is among the best players in the world right now. We can definitely get behind that claim when you look at how much of a difference his presence on the pitch makes for the Blues.

“We are caring a lot about him because I think he is a great talent. For me, one of the best players in the world,” Pochettino told beIN SPORTS Asia.

“And now when you touch and feel it up close you say, ‘Wow, what an amazing player.’ And I think he is a player that everyone respects in the club, the teammates, the staff, everyone. And I think he has a very good personality.

“From outside he was always a player that I liked, but now I think we are close. I cannot say I’m in love because you can misconstrue my words. But I think you know, he’s unbelievable.”

Reece James is special

Chelsea are unbeaten in the three league games James has started this season, despite the fact they were against Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City.

The all-action full-back defends aggressively with great strength and firmness. Likewise, he plays a key role going forward as an attacking threat.

We’ve seen in the past Pochettino get a lot of joy from his full-backs, so he’s got the perfect option in his squad.

Speaking via X earlier this month, Paul Merson described James as one of the best about following his performance versus Man City’s Jeremy Doku.

If James can stay fit and available, Chelsea fans should be hopeful of climbing the league table during the winter period.