Pedro Neto responds to Chelsea teammate’s message – ‘what a player’
Reece James remains focused on the task at hand as his game-time and impact continues to grow at Chelsea.
James has made 30 appearances and counting in Chelsea’s extended 2024–25 campaign, the most he’s managed at Stamford Bridge since 2021–22 under Thomas Tuchel after numerous injury setbacks.
A return to both fitness and form for James has resulted in his first England caps since 2023 – also under the tutelage of Tuchel – and he staked his starting claims with a free-kick goal against Latvia in March.
Chelsea may have Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong to choose from as alternatives at right-back, but Enzo Maresca has increasingly called upon a fit-again James as the Blues aim to win the Club World Cup.
James comeback continues with Chelsea v Benfica impact
Chelsea’s bid to win a second trophy in quick succession has continued at the Club World Cup, but their 4-1 win over Benfica in the round of 16 was overshadowed by a two-hour delay due to adverse weather.
James’ 64th-minute strike looked to have sealed Chelsea’s progress to the quarter-finals, but the match was stopped 21 minutes later and Angel Di Maria‘s late penalty forced extra time over two hours later.
The Blues’ second wind proved to be the difference though, and after Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall‘s goals secured the victory for Chelsea, James reflected on social media.
In an Instagram post (29 June) with the three-word caption of; “quarters up next”, James included an image of his goal celebration in the second half, and Neto commented to say: “Reecceee James what a player”.
Chelsea in no rush to replace Reece James
Football Insider Verdict
James was substituted five minutes before the weather-enforced stoppage in Chelsea’s win over Benfica, meaning he missed out on the lengthy wait to resume playing late in the second half.
When fit and firing, he is Chelsea’s starting right-back and one of the first names on Maresca’s team-sheet, but James, Gusto and Acheampong will need to up their game once more competition arrives.
Geovany Quenda’s switch from Sporting CP next summer will provide yet another challenge for James to retain his spot at right-back, making both the Club World Cup and the entirety of next season a crucial period in which he needs to stay fit.