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James was named captain at the start of the 2023/2024 season by Mauricio Pochettino following the departure of César Azpilicueta from the club.
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The 26-year-old at the time was dealing with a hamstring injury that ultimately required surgery and he missed most of the season.
Reece James on being Chelsea captain
James then suffered a couple more hamstring injuries in 2024/2025, although they were not as serious as before.
The England international has now taken on a leadership and captaincy role but admitted he found it very difficult at first.
James has really become a leader during his time as captain. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“I think for me the easiest and probably where I’ve had the most growth in terms of leadership is when I’m fit,” he told the club’s internal media in an exclusive interview on the Chelsea app.
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“When I first got the role I found it very difficult, you know, a lot of pressure and I wasn’t fit – I wasn’t playing.
“So getting the messages out to the team and helping to push everyone was difficult.
“I was trying to find my place, as well as pushing everyone else.
“I think the moment I started playing more regularly was when I improved a lot and got ahead.”
Captain leading by example
At 26 years old, the captain is now one of the oldest members of the team, and Robert Sánchez revealed that James is always the first to leave the training field.
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James returned to action against Hull City in the FA Cup after missing the previous three games and will have a key role to play for the rest of the season.
Chelsea face Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, before back-to-back games against Arsenal and Aston Villa in early March, in which they expect James to feature.
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