Mauricio Pochettino explains reason behind choosing Reece James as Chelsea captain
Mauricio Pochettino has given the reasons behind Chelsea choosing Reece James as their new captain. Cesar Azpilicueta’s move to Atletico Madrid this summer meant the club needed a new skipper.
Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and James were among the contenders that made sense. But only one of them is a Cobham graduate.
Moreover, Poch believes the 23-year-old is the future of the club. Asked today why James was chosen to succeed Azpilicueta as Blues skipper, he told the club website:
“I think he’s not only a player that can be a leader, because he’s a leader with his character, his qualities,’ said the Argentinian. ‘He’s a person also that’s going to be the future of the club. He came through the Academy. I think for us, for me and for the club, he’s a perfect player, person, to be a captain.”
James the right choice?
Yes, James was the right choice. He has enough experience to lead the team. Moreover, the players around him next season will be younger than him — at least a big portion of them.
It is kind of what Mikel Arteta has done with Martin Odegaard. He built a young team and handed the former Real Madrid star the armband, to great results last season.
Silva would have been an equally good choice but the armband would have had to change perhaps within a year. The 38-year-old is nearing retirement.
James is clearly a first-team regular. Those around him would respect the decision considering his quality and experience. He is expected to don the armband tomorrow against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
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What a start to his captaincy that will be.