Chelsea legend John Terry has lauded Reece James following his performance against Fulham in the Premier League.
He commended the club captain for establishing high standards and motivating others to reach his level.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, JT’s Weekly Review, Terry said that James has embraced his leadership role, which was evident on the pitch on Monday, August 24.
He noted that the Chelsea captain’s challenge to Pedro Neto for not tracking back was essential, stating, “Let us not overlook the exceptional qualities of our captain. Last night revealed a glimpse of his character and demonstrated how Reece is evolving in his leadership role.
“When Pedro Neto entered the game and failed to track back, Reece called him out, which I found remarkable. It is crucial to have three or four other players exhibiting the same level of support because the standards were incredibly high during my playing days, and Reece is upholding those standards.”
Terry expressed his desire for the other players at Stamford Bridge to acknowledge James’ drive and expectations. He commended them for their improved performance on the pitch in the season’s opening match, stating:
“I hope the players recognise this, and we are fortunate to have our captain Reece wearing the armband. I believe Chelsea leads the Premier League in terms of running this year, whereas we were near the bottom last season regarding commitment and effort.
“Therefore, whether you come off the bench or start the game for Chelsea, it is imperative to give your all for that shirt, just as we have done in the past, and Reece is setting those standards. This presents another opportunity for the manager to address these expectations with Reece and Pedro Neto. These are the standards we uphold, and this is what we expect from our players.”
The Blues concluded the previous season in 10th place in the Premier League, missing out on qualification for any of the three European competitions.
EPL: ‘He’s taken his leadership role’ – John Terry hails Chelsea star