Chelsea’s Reece James has the latest youngster to earn praise following a series of impressive performances while on loan at Wigan in the Championship.
The 18-year-old hit the headlines over the weekend after scoring his first professional goal with a 25-yard curling free-kick, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the Championship in the process.
James, who has made 16 appearances so far this season, is making a name for himself in the division as a versatile attacking full-back with great crossing ability and end product.
The potential from the youngster is clear for all to see with the Redbridge-native winning Chelsea’s 2016/17 academy Player of the Year after leading the Blues U18’s to a fifth successive FA Youth Cup.
James has been one of the Blues academies’ longest-serving youngsters having joined the club at the age of six.
The 5′ 11” full-back also made a name for himself away from the Bridge on the international stage, winning the 2017 Toulon Tournament with England in May, then only a month later winning the 2017 UEFA European Under 19 championships.
Only time will tell if the youngster will break into Chelsea’s first team, but if his performances continue for club and country, the Blues may have no choice but to promote James to the first team.
