It has been three years since Frank Lampard’s second stint as Chelsea manager came to an end, and in that time, the Coventry City gaffer thinks Reece James has changed.
James, who recently signed a new long-term contract at Chelsea, was appointed Chelsea captain after the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as manager. The Argentine had just replaced Frank Lampard in the dugout.
The London-born defender has gone on to play 226 times for Chelsea, with many forgetting that the 22-time England international is still only 26. Without injury, James might have played more than 300 times.
Frank Lampard in the Stamford Bridge dugout? RUN IT BACK!
Meanwhile, Lampard has reignited his managerial career after an interim spell at Chelsea that saw him lose eight of 11 matches. Lampard will come up against Chelsea next season with his Coventry City side.
Frank Lampard heaps praise on Chelsea skipper Reece James
Lampard appeared on TalkSPORT this morning to discuss his side’s promotion to the Premier League, with Coventry amassing a huge 92 points with one game to play. Lampard is back in the big time.
But while talking about Coventry, the Sky Blues gaffer also had time to discuss Chelsea’s captain James. He spoke highly, not only praising his performances, but also how he has adapted to becoming captain.
“Reece, what an incredible player and incredible lad. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s taken to the captaincy there as well because I think from afar, I feel like I’ve seen him grow into that position.
“Because he was always quite a quiet lad,” Lampard recalled, having been in charge for 59 of James’ 226 appearances. “Reece kept his thoughts to himself but when you did speak to him, he was very articulate.
“But at the quality level, when I first went to Chelsea, I had a good understanding of the academy because of the lads that were working with me. But to see his talent levels,” Lampard continued, praising James.
“I mean, I’ve never seen someone who gets a 70-yard crossfielder and just brings it down on his chest. It’s a really incredible technique, but the whole game that he’s got now pace, power, and quality levels.
“Massively important for Chelsea. He’s managed to play more regularly this season, which has been great. Without picking Thomas’ [Tuchel’s] squad, Reece James is one of the best right-backs in the world.”
Chelsea without Reece James, discuss…
When will Reece James return from hamstring injury?
James was in attendance at Wembley on Sunday as he saw his teammates manage to shake off the club’s dismal form to win. After the game, James was on the pitch pushing Calum McFarlane towards the fans.
The England star has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, and was expected to return sooner rather than later. The last update came from sacked gaffer Liam Rosenior.
The recently-sacked manager spoke a fortnight ago, stating he did not have a timeline and that James was “a little bit further away” than some of the other players. It is unlikely he faces Forest on Monday.
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