Chelsea Captain Reece James Could “Play Anywhere,” Says Former Teammate

Chelsea captain Reece James possesses a rare versatility, leading former teammate Marcus Bettinelli to claim the England international could play in any position on the pitch.

Bettinelli, who played with James at Chelsea between 2021 and 2025, emphasized the 25-year-old’s exceptional talent. “If you ask any footballer that has played with RJ or seen him at England, Reece is frightening… He can play anywhere,” Bettinelli said on the Ben Foster Podcast. James has already demonstrated his adaptability, featuring at right-back, left-back, central midfield, and even centre-half for the Blues.

James, a product of the Chelsea academy, made his first-team debut in 2019 and has since become a pivotal figure at Stamford Bridge, winning five major trophies and succeeding César Azpilicueta as captain in the summer of 2023. His ability to contribute in multiple roles is particularly valuable as Chelsea navigate a period of squad development under manager Enzo Maresca. The appointment of James as captain signaled a commitment to the club’s homegrown talent.

Despite recent injury concerns, James is currently fit and available for selection for Chelsea’s upcoming match against Nottingham Forest today, October 17, 2025. Club officials have expressed satisfaction with Maresca’s management of James’ fitness, recognizing his importance to the team’s future success.