Chelsea defender Reece James has named the one teammate who has made a special impact on his game over the past few months.
Reece James says that fellow Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has had the biggest influence on his career over the past few months.
The Brazilian arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer from PSG last summer. Surprisingly, he has been one of the standout players for Chelsea this season.
Off the pitch, Silva has made his vast experience count and has put youngster Reece James under his guidance.
The England-born defender will barely get a better defensive name to learn from and is pleased to be learning from one of the best and most experienced in his position.
Asked who has played the biggest role in his development at Chelsea to date, James told BBC Sport: “I think, this season, Thiago Silva has probably influenced my career the most so far, just because he is well experienced and played at the very top of the game for the last 15 years.
“He has taken me under his wing, coached me, and told me where I need to do better and where I am doing well.”
James became a regular in the Blues starting lineup under former manager Frank Lampard last season. He continued to fill the right-back role in the team during the first half of the current season.
However, the 21-year-old has struggled to nail down a starting spot under new boss Thomas Tuchel. The German has preferred a 3-4-3 that has seen Callum Hudson-Odoi switch to a right wing-back role.
James has only started two of Chelsea’s last six games. Regardless, a daunting fixture list ahead for the Blues means he is expected to see more game-time in the coming weeks.
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