Cesar Azpilicueta has said that he will do everything he can to help Reece James develop despite the Chelsea captain facing stiff competition from the 19-year-old for his starting role.
James impressed during his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup hammering of Grimsby Town last Wednesday, creating two goals and scoring one from right back.
The academy product is expected to have a bright future at Chelsea but rather than suffer sleepless nights about his place in the team, Azplicueta said that he will be encouraging James like the rest of the young players in Frank Lampard's squad.
"He had an amazing spell [on loan] at Wigan last season," Azpilicueta said at Chelsea's pre-match press conference in Lille. "He showed his qualities. He is a very strong lad, good attitude. I'll try to help him with everything he needs here and to help play.
"Even though he can play right back, we can both play in different positions. I'm here to support him the same way I support all the young lads.
"Hopefully he can be a very important player for the club like the other young lads because they have quality and Reece is one of them. Hopefully he can be part of a big team."
The Spain international will start against Lille on Wednesday night, a game that Chelsea really need to get a result from having lost their Champions League opener against Valencia at Stamford Bridge last month.
Lille, who are making only their second appearance in the competition, were beaten 3-0 by Ajax in their Group H opener.
"Lille may have less experience than us but they are playing at home," Azpilicueta added. "They have great supporters, the team will obviously rely on the supporters to put a lot of pressure on us. There will be a lot of pressure. This is a very special competition.
"Lille have been fighting hard to get back to this level. They have a lot of talent. They are able to create so many situations and opportunities. They move well, can pass and create opportunities.
"They also have a few experienced players like Loic Remy, who I have played with before. Regardless we are here to take three points home and that's what we're going to try and do tomorrow."
