Reece James ‘more motivated than ever’ to fulfill Chelsea dream

It’s a good thing that Reece James, as he puts it, doesn’t feel “any pressure”. He is expected to be a big player for Chelsea this season as Frank Lampard revealed in the wake of Sunday’s 4-0 defeat. Considering that the teenager hasn’t even played a single competitive minute for Chelsea, let alone make a Premier League start, those are certainly bold expectations.

But if there’s one thing to take away from Reece’s “first major interview”, it’s confidence in him meeting those expectations, and then some. Sitting down with the Independent’s Tom Kershaw, James talks about his childhood, growing up with a UEFA-licensed former professional as a father, about his early days at Chelsea, developing alongside the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount, and about the individual successes achieved while on loan Wigan Athletic last season, where the locals cherished him as perhaps the club’s “finest” ever player. At 19.

It’s an interview well worth reading. Maybe twice, even.

Reece’s talent would be something to get excited about in any given season, but especially in a season with such a firm emphasis on youth and building from within.

“At the end of the day, if you’re a footballer, your job is to play. I would always prefer to play than sit around. If I’m not, I’m not going to be happy, but there are certain situations where you have to be patient.

“Frank Lampard is a club legend; he’s someone I’ve always looked up to. If a manager believes in youth and believes in you then, eventually, you know the chance will come. Ever since I’ve been at Chelsea, my dream has been to become a first-team player.”

“This is the team I support. This has always been my dream: to make my debut for Chelsea. The dream I had when I first played for the club as a youngster. I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been…and I’d like to think I never take a step back.”

-Reece James; source: Indepedent

And if that wasn’t sweet music to our ears already, here’s more. Kershaw says James is expected back in full training “in the next couple weeks”, following his recent ankle surgery.

Get hyped!