“I’m really excited…” – Chelsea key player is breaking records from last two seasons | OneFootball

Reece James is on of his best run of staying fit in years, and Chelsea are reaping the benefit.

On the London is Blue podcast they discussed his form and how crucial he would be for this team in the rest of the season if he can stay fit.

James already ahead of last two seasons’ efforts

Reece James blocks a cross. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

“Reece James, he’s at 709 minutes in the Premier League, that’s 11 appearances, 7 starts. You go back two seasons, he had ten total mates played in the Premier League with five starts,” presenter Dan Dormer said.

“This is a return season for Reece James right now. He is already returning to being a great defender, getting involved in the midfield, and finding volume in attack again.”

Co-host Nick Verlaney agreed, and pointed to his impact off the field:

“You’re also starting to see the leadership, an important thing for a young team which doesn’t necessary have that old head in the group to keep everyone on track. I’m really excited for where he could go this season.”

If we’re going to win anything major this season James will be at the heart of it, and if we want him to be at the heart of it he has to be fit. Carefully managing his body through the rest of the campaign is one of the key objectives for Enzo Maresca.

You can see them discussing James in the clip embedded here:

In other news…

Chelsea have been alerted to the availability of Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause active in this upcoming January window.

Arsene Wenger had a rule about rotating his team – never change more than four players or risk ruining the chemistry of the side. Enzo Maresca doesn’t follow that rule – but should he?