Reece James made his 100th appearance for Chelsea against West Ham at the weekend. Over the first 100 appearances, James who celebrates his 22nd birthday tomorrow has achieved more than most players could dream of.
After breaking into the Chelsea team under Frank Lampard and Jody Morris, James has never looked back. Instantly demonstrating his quality. Fans and players alike trusted him as a right-back, right-sided centre-back, and right wing-back and against Man United even left wing-back.
James has combined technique, physicality, vision, pace, leadership and desire allowing him to flourish in the Premier League, becoming one of the best players in the Premier League and Europe at the same time.
James was a key figure in Chelsea achieving a top-four finish under Frank Lampard, despite losing his place to club captain Cesar Azpilicueta. However, it has been in Europe where the Chelsea youngster has excelled. As will come to mind almost instantly for the majority of Chelsea fans, his equaliser against Ajax set the tone for what would be a fruitful European career so far.
Following the exit of Lampard and Morris, James has been able to continue his development and form under Thomas Tuchel, becoming a key figure on the right-hand side. Chelsea fans have hardly mentioned that Chelsea is European Champions, and an integral part of that success was James.
Having been part of a defence that conceded a record four goals throughout that competition, his defensive ability could not be questioned. Under Tuchel, Chelsea's defensive qualities have all but been enhanced to what can only be described as the optimum level.
This season is no different. James has been able to consistently demonstrate his qualities both defensively and in attack. James ranks in the top 10% of all right-backs and right wing-backs for non-penalty goals, shots, expected assists, shot-creating actions, passes attempted, progressive passes, and touches in the opposition penalty area. Not too shabby.
Add to this 13 G/A's in 25 appearances for club and country and you realise that Chelsea might just have one of the very best at their club. Oh, when I say might, I mean they most certainly do.
James has had an incredible first 100 appearances, and I expect things to continue along this upward trajectory over the next 100. Here are three things I think will happen by the time James reaches 200 appearances for Chelsea.
Premier League Champion
Chelsea hasn't looked as likely to seriously challenge for the Premier League till now. James, as expected, has so far been a key figure in this early success. I would go so far as to say that he has been Chelsea's Premier League Player of the Season so far.
Under Tuchel, Chelsea has been consistently performing and hardly ever conceding goals, having only conceded nine in the Premier League so far. This number has risen in recent weeks with 1-1 draws to Burnley and Man United the 3-2 loss to West Ham at the weekend.
If Chelsea is able to pick up the form of recent weeks, which will not be easy but is certainly possible, then I fully expect James to be the recipient of a Premier League Winner's medal sooner rather than later.
Undisputed England Number 1 Right-Back
This is arguably the boldest prediction on here, but we have to have some hope. It is well known that England has been blessed with a collection of world-class fullbacks, particularly at right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best footballers in the Premier League and in Europe, so competition for the starting spot is fierce.
Few would argue that Alexander-Arnold is able to match James's defensive qualities and recover pace, if you include the fact that James is now consistently adding goals and assists to his game, James could be the first in line for the England right-back position.
Chelsea Captain
James has demonstrated significant leadership qualities and a love for the club that has created a bond between himself and fans that few are able to achieve. Azpilicueta and Jorginho have been excellent captains and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future, and deservingly so.
Yet, 100 appearances is an awfully long time in football. Azpilicueta is currently in the last seven months of his contract, few know whether the club and player plan on extending, but there is a chance he does not, which means the captain's armband will be available. Jorginho still has time left on his current contract, but whether he will stay at Chelsea for another two years is unknown, we can hope that he does.
Mason Mount has adorned the captain's armband at points, which he has thoroughly deserved, but Chelsea could rejuvenate the original John Terry - Frank Lampard captain partnership with Mount and James. Therefore, I anticipate that James will, at some point during his next 100 Chelsea appearances, represent Chelsea as club captain.
Whether my predictions come to fruition or not, one thing is for sure; James is set to reach increasingly impressive heights over his next 100 Chelsea appearances.
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