Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has been talking about how he is supporting the young players at the club, including Reece James.
James is now a direct rival to Azpilicueta’s starting role at Chelsea, so for the Spaniard to come out and speak the way he is about him is not only admirable, it’s also honourable.
Reece James is quality and I have no doubts that he will be displacing Azpilicueta from the main right back slot very soon.
The latter has never been comfortable playing at right back, and even more so under such an intense style of football that Frank Lampard demands. He does a decent job, but it becomes a wasted position when he attacks. I don’t think many would disagree with that.
However, some of the disrespect and abuse towards Azpilicueta from Chelsea fans is very poor showing.
He deserves nothing but respect, even when you are criticising his game. He would literally put his body on line for this club and he’s been a tremendous player in his early years.
Speaking to the Chelsea website, Azpilcueta said:
“Reece is a player I have followed and he had an amazing spell at Wigan.
“He showed his quality, he is a very strong boy with a good attitude. I will try to help him with whatever he needs.
“I am here to help the team and even if he is a right-back and I can play right-back, we are players who can play in different positions. I am here to help as I am with all the young lads and hopefully he can be an important player for this big team.”
