“It’s a dream”: Chelsea captain Reece James reflects on momentous 2025 ahead of milestone Aston Villa clash | OneFootball

Chelsea captain Reece James has enjoyed a year that felt like a fresh chapter, given his frustrating record with recurring injuries.

After taking time to recover and reset earlier in the year, James has worked his way back to full fitness and is operating at a level that has restored his status as one of the best players in the world.

The 26-year-old has been one of the most consistent players in the Chelsea squad this year and has put in world-class shifts in key games, notably against Arsenal and Newcastle United.

James’ bounce back from injury has been one for the history books, reminding everyone of his quality and shutting down comparisons that hardly do justice to his brilliance.

He has adapted seamlessly to his midfield transition while being able to slot back into his more natural right-back role without any drop in quality.

James’ availability has helped Chelsea in the ongoing top-four race, and he’s gearing up to hit a personal milestone when the Blues take on the high-flying Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Barring any unforeseen setback, the England international will make his 50th appearance of the calendar year against Unai Emery’s troops.

It will be the first time since 2021 that he has managed to accumulate such a consistent run of games.

James marked his return to Premier League action with a last-gasp free-kick against Bournemouth in January and hasn’t looked back since.

After featuring in 28 of Chelsea’s 35 games in all competitions in the second half of last season, he has played in all but one Premier League fixture this term.

He has notched two goals and three assists while creating five big chances in the league, and his consistency helped him cross the 200-game milestone for Chelsea back in October.

“It’s a dream for me to play 200 games for the club I’ve supported since I was a little boy,” James said (via Chelsea’s official website). “Hopefully, I can continue to get many more.”