Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has said that he will help academy product Reece James in his development despite both players playing in the same position.
Reece James has made an impressive return from injury, impressing in the victory over Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup and was also brilliant in the two U23 games he has played. Azpilicueta, in contrast, has had a less than impressive start to the season and was at fault for several of the goals Chelsea conceded. Although his form has improved recently many fans have called Lampard to replace Azplicueta with homegrown Reece James.
Azpilicueta though is not dithered and believes that both he and James can play in several positions on the field.
“He had an amazing spell [on loan] at Wigan last season,” Azpilicueta said at Chelsea’s pre-match press conference in Lille. “He showed his qualities. He is a very strong lad, good attitude. I’ll try to help him with everything he needs here and to help play.
“Even though he can play right-back, we can both play in different positions. I’m here to support him the same way I support all the young lads.
“Hopefully he can be a very important player for the club like the other young lads because they have quality and Reece is one of them. Hopefully, he can be part of a big team.”
Azpilicueta who broke through in the Chelsea team as a left-back has also played the right center-back in Antonio Conte’s back three.
Chelsea takes on Lille, who are making only their second appearance in the competition, was beaten 3-0 by Ajax in their Group H opener.
