Chelsea star being tapped up by club for future captaincy role

Chelsea’s dismal run of form continued on Wednesday as they were beaten 1-0 by Borussia Dortmund in Germany. 

The Blues dominated possession against their German counterparts, but it is the Bundesliga side who take a slender advantage into the second leg of their Champions League last 16 second leg tie at Stamford Bridge.

Graham Potter will now look to his side’s game against manager-less Southampton as an opportunity to end their awful run of form, with The Saints currently sitting rock bottom of the Premier League.

Despite recent results, one player that has continued to impress is Reece James, and it appears that those in charge of the club are now lining the Englishman up for a key role.

According to Matt Law, the full-back is regarded by Chelsea staff as a potential future club captain.

It is claimed that James, who graduated through the club’s academy, has grown from an initially shy character into a leader for Potter’s side.

Chelsea are therefore ‘grooming’ the player to become a future captain, with current club captain Cesar Azpilicueta increasingly playing a bit-part role for The Blues.

James ie being lined up for a captaincy role at Stamford Bridge

The Spaniard has fallen behind James in the pecking order at right-back, although he did recently make his 500th appearance for the club and signed a two-year contract extension last summer.

Despite that, James is seen by many people within the club as a potential heir to his captaincy.

The England international has established himself as one of the best in the world in his position in recent seasons, and has already played more than 130 times for his boyhood club.

Last year, the right-back penned a contract extension that is due to run until 2028, reiterating the club’s intention to keep hold of the player long-term.

The defender is already a fans’ favourite in west London, alongside the likes of Mason Mount and Thiago Silva.

James is expected to start once again on Saturday as Chelsea welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge.