Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has sent Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca a clear message regarding Reece James.
James has been a very useful player for Maresca, playing at right-back and in midfield under the Italian.
However, he has not always been available because of injuries. In total, the 25-year-old made just 12 starts in the Premier League last season.
It is an improvement compared to the previous campaign, but it is fair to say that some have lost patience with James after all of his fitness issues. Ex-Blue Tony Cascarino discussed James last month, claiming that it is a pity that the Englishman can only play one game a week at this moment in time.
Darren Bent wants to see Reece James remain as Chelsea captain
Because of his injury record, one Chelsea supporter called for James to be stripped of the captaincy while discussing the England international on talkSPORT.
It is not something that Bent is on board with, though, with the former Tottenham Hotspur forward feeling that things have certainly improved for James lately.
In response to the fan who was calling for a change in captaincy at Stamford Bridge, Bent said: “He’s been better lately. I mean, I don’t think I’m taking the armband off him, no way! I’d keep it with Reece James.”
Since January, James has actually only missed one game and that was through illness. He even played for England earlier this month and came on in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Los Angeles FC at the Club World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel baffled the English media with his use of James at left-back in the Three Lions’ 1-0 victory over Andorra, but the Chelsea captain played the full 90 minutes, showing where his fitness is right now.
How Reece James recently proved he’s captain material
James’ credentials as captain have been questioned before, even by his own manager. However, these days, he looks and sounds like much more of a leader.
When James was recently asked about Chelsea’s new signings, he said: “The new boys with us are high quality players and have got straight up to speed. Some know a few of the lads from previous clubs, which has helped them settle. It’s also my role as captain to ensure they adapt and understand the demands of Chelsea.”
Ultimately, as things stand, there is only one person who should be captaining Chelsea, and that is the man who currently has the armband.
