IT’S a day he will remember for the rest of his life.
On Tuesday night, Reece James became Chelsea’s youngest ever Champions League goalscorer in their epic 4-4 draw against Ajax at 19 years 332 days old.
Reece James became Chelsea’s youngest ever Champions League goalscorer against AjaxCredit: Getty – Contributor
But fans of Wigan Athletic will already know the qualities that the East Londoner possesses.
James had an incredible season on loan with the Latics, winning their Player of the Year award, as well as getting selected for the 2018–19 Championship Team of the Year.
“I think Reece James could play in goal, he is so outstanding,” Wigan boss Paul Cook said.
While former chairman David Sharpe went one further with his praise. “No doubt he will be in the Premier League Team of the Year within a few years,” he claimed.
Meet the new Blues hero destined to play for England.
FROM EAST TO WEST
Originally from Redbridge, a well-known hotspot for West Ham scouts, James joined Chelsea when he was just six.
However, it took him some time to find his best position.
Like England legend and fellow East Londoner Ashley Cole, arguably the finest full back this country has ever produced, James started as a striker.
As he progressed through the West London academy, he dropped into midfield before he was finally tasked with having to learn the art of defending.
James joined Chelsea’s youth set-up aged six
James progressed through Chelsea’s youth teams and won a FA Youth CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
In 2017-18, James enjoyed his most successful season in the youth set-up.
As captain, the 6-footer led a Chelsea side, which had the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ethan Ampadu and Dujon Sterling, to FA Youth Cup glory defeating Arsenal.
The team also finished runners-up in the UEFA Youth League.
For his efforts, James won the prestigious Academy Player of the Year award, despite some heavy competition.
And it wasn’t just at club level where people within the game began to take note.
Despite heavy competition, Reece James was voted Academy Player of the Year in 2017-18
Playing the role of captain, James led from the front in a team that featured Callum Hudson-OdoiCredit: Getty – Contributor
THREE LIONS
His rise in 2017-18 saw James called up to England’s youth set-ups.
But what was even more impressive was he featured for the Three Lions at U18, U19 and U20 level all in the same season.
He travelled to the 2017 Toulon Tournament, and started in the final as England defeated Ivory Coast.
James was also part of England’s U19 squad which won the European Championship that same year.
Last month, he was included in the England U21 squad for the first time.
In 2017 James won the Toulon Tournament with England, defeating the Ivory Coast Credit: Rex Features
A powerful runner with the ball, James has been lauded for his crossing abilityCredit: Rex Features
EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Last year, James knew a loan move would aid his development. He joined newly promoted Wigan in the Championship, and it was the making of the man.
He appeared 46 times in all competitions, winning the club’s Player of the Month award four times on his way to being named in the EFL Championship Team of the Year too.
Scouts at Manchester United were seemingly impressed, and the tough-tackler was linked to a £15m move to Old Trafford.
But Chelsea weren’t interesting in having their star asset prized from them.
Wigan manager Paul Cook was just happy that he got the opportunity to work with James.
“He is so self-confident, and that is backed up by his ability and work ethic,” he divulged.
“All season he has been showing people that he has a very strong career ahead of him, and we are delighted to be playing a small part in his progression.
Last season James starred at Wigan Athletic on loan Credit: Getty Images – Getty
James was named Wigan’s Player of the YearCredit: Twitter
Right back James also featured in the EFL’s Championship Team of the Year
“He’s player of the month every month, and he’s man of the match almost every week.
And he’s as good a lad as he is a player. There’s nothing else I can say about him.”
AS GOOD A CROSSER AS BECKHAM
One of James’ biggest assets, alongside his power and pace, is his ability to cross the ball from deep or forward positions.
Cook spotted that talent straight away and had the youngster taking most of their set-pieces – free kicks, corners and even penalties.
That has naturally led to comparisons with England legend, David Beckham from former Chelsea star Joe Cole.
He said on BT Sport last night: “When I was playing in America, I came around to train with the kids.
“We were having shooting session and the kids’ shooting was erratic, but James was on the money, on the money, whipping crosses, it was like watching Beckham.”
