{"id":17676,"date":"2026-07-15T17:37:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T17:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17676"},"modified":"2026-07-15T17:37:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T17:37:07","slug":"remembering-reece-james-first-game-as-chelsea-captain-as-xabi-alonso-confirms-skipper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17676","title":{"rendered":"Remembering Reece James’ first game as Chelsea captain as Xabi Alonso confirms skipper"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Reece James was named Chelsea captain almost three years ago following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Chelsea skipper, there have been a lot of highs and lows for James. For example, back in the 2024\/25 campaign, the defender was able to lead his side to Club World Cup and Conference League glory.<\/p>\n

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However, James has also had a lot of injuries, barely playing in the season in which he was named captain.<\/p>\n

It was disappointing, especially after his first performance with the armband.<\/p>\n

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How do you feel about Reece James playing for England so soon after injury?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Photo by Chris Arjoon\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Reece James put in monstrous performance against Liverpool in first outing as Chelsea captain<\/h2>\n

James\u2019 debut as Chelsea skipper came in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the beginning of the 2023\/24 Premier League season.<\/p>\n

The right-back played 76 minutes before being replaced by Malo Gusto and really led by example on the afternoon. His performance was exceptional.<\/p>\n

Going forward, Liverpool could not contain him. According to Sofascore, James created two big chances, registered two key passes and made three successful crosses.<\/p>\n

He also won three aerial duels and was not dribbled past once. It was a complete performance from the 26-year-old, who made an impact in both halves of the pitch.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea went on to finish sixth in the Premier League that season, missing out on Champions League qualification as a result. However, had James not kept on getting injured, the Blues could have finished much higher in the table.<\/p>\n

In total, the England international managed to make just 11 appearances in all competitions, showing the scope of his injury problems. <\/p>\n

Thankfully, James\u2019 fitness record has drastically improved since then and he is set to continue as Chelsea captain.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Sky Sports in an exclusive interview, Xabi Alonso said: \u201cHe\u2019s going to be the captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Candidates for vice-captain role at Chelsea<\/h2>\n

While James will continue as captain, Alonso may need to appoint a new vice-captain next season.<\/p>\n

Alonso is keen to retain Enzo Fernandez, who was James\u2019 deputy last term, but the Argentina international is determined to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.<\/p>\n

If he gets his wish, Levi Colwill will be a strong contender to become vice-captain. Moises Caicedo is an option, too, having also worn the armband in the previous campaign.<\/p>\n

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