Chelsea have confirmed Reece James as the club's new captain following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta this summer.
The 23-year-old has made 147 appearances for the club since graduating from the academy in 2018.
James, who has also earned 15 international caps for England, was an integral part of the Blues squad that claimed the Champions League in 2021.
Nevertheless, James was one of the more regular candidates to wear the armband and appeared to take pride in lifting the Premier League Summer Series trophy along with Thiago Silva, after each captained half of the final match of the tournament against Fulham.
James said: "I'm so happy to take on the role and responsibility. I know I've got big shoes to fill because we have had huge captains here in the past, but I am excited.
"I have been at Chelsea pretty much my whole life. I started here when I was six and to come through the Academy is tough. But to go on and become captain, it's a great feeling for me and my family."
The likes of Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ben Chilwell have also worn the armband over the summer months. However, Pochettino believes James will be able to take his own approach to leadership with the additional responsibility.
Chelsea's head coach said: "This is a decision taken by me and the club. We are very pleased Reece will captain the side this season. He leads by example and his attitude and dedication to Chelsea has been clear throughout pre-season. He proudly wore the armband during our summer tour and will take up the challenge of leading our squad with his own approach and ideas."
Sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: "Reece’s connection with Chelsea has been forged over 17 years. He understands the traditions of the club and the responsibilities that come with being captain.
"He knows the standards required to win at this club – both from his time in the Academy and the first team – and it is a very proud moment for Reece everyone connected to the club."
Moseseboto
1168
To those saying that Reece James doesn't deserve the captaincy at Chelsea and claiming that it's a disrespect to Thiago Silva, do not know anything about leadership. A young leader is always under the guidance and council of the elders. THIAGO Silva will still help James to grow in leadership. 👏👏👏
Victor_xx7
1000
Please where is Thiago Silva?
MogastyJn
959
You lead by example , your attitude and dedication to Chelsea has made through 💙💙💙💙. Congratulations James 🎉🎉🎊🎉🎉🎊🎊. You deserve it 🎉🎉🎉🎊
SonyMontana52
872
He doesn't need a Captain armband to be a Leader
mekbdelmz
799
All of u saying RJ does not deserve it....that it should be TS. Find I agree but is still not bad for James becoz he is considered as a long term serving leader unlike thiago that will leave the club any moment from now and Chelsea want to have someone that will remain in the next decade to come...just like others in the past TJ, Lampard, Azpi, Cahill etc
Joodiklos
784
chelsea haters be like " big disrespect to Thiago" but they no nothing about chelsea😂😂🤣
ONLY_ONE_REAL
479
Just like arsenal were odegaard wears the captain armband but xhaka was the leader look there is alot more than what we see on television so James is cool he has a fighting spirit and silver will have limited playing time maybe injuries or so and a captain should be a starter a captain should be one who also plays regularly too so Silva will help James no doubt at least wen they are both on the pitch they play closer to each other so James will hear him well no matter the noise in the stadium
Amgnonijunior
295
His dream come true... I hope it will help you develop more on the pitch 👍 Good luck Home boy 💙💙💙
Mutckmrtz
84
amazing news