Reece James played a starring role in Chelsea’s 7-1 thrashing of Grimsby Town on Wednesday night and has now revealed the three players who inspired him as a youngster.
The 19-year-old is relishing his opportunity to shine under Frank Lampard this season and is thought to have a big future at Stamford Bridge.
He has been at the club since he was just seven years old and now 12 years on, he scored on his first-team debut.
One of the three players he looked up to most as a youngster is now his manager, along with Lampard’s former team-mates Didier Drogba and John Terry, while he is learning from current captain Cesar Azpilicueta as he looks to force his way into a permanent spot in the Chelsea first XI.
‘When I was young I supported the club and still do now,’ James said. ‘I looked up to Drogba, Terry, Lampard. They were the main three leaders. It helped drive the team back then when I was a little kid.
‘They were all winners, that was reflected in the trophies they won.
‘Of course I’m learning from the [senior players] every day because I’ve not played at this level before. There are little bits here and there where they help me on the performance side and show me how it’s done.
‘Positioning, where to go where the ball is on the other side – there’s loads of little things.’
James is not getting too far ahead of himself but he allowed himself to enjoy the ‘dream’ debut goal in the Carabao Cup.
‘Obviously it’s a dream come true,’ James said of scoring on his debut. ‘I’ve played for this club since I was seven years old and it’s always what I wanted.
‘Just to play my first game here at the Bridge, in front of all the fans, that was probably the best occasion.
‘[Lampard] told me the day before [that I would be starting] but I think it doesn’t settle in until you’re actually out there on the pitch. The atmosphere was buzzing, the stadium, everyone was jumping.’
