Chelsea full-back and England international Reece James continues to build on his budding reputation both in the Premier League and on the continent after the Cobham academy product put in another influential attacking display today against Burnley at Turf Moor.
The Blues ran out to a convincing 4-0 win against Sean Dyche’s Clarets that gave the Stamford Bridge outfit a temporary 6-point lead on Manchester United (4th) ahead of the Manchester derby tomorrow, with German international Kai Havertz bagging a much-needed brace in the process.
5 + 5 – Reece James (5 goals, 5 assists) is one of only three English players with both 5+ goals and 5+ assists in the Premier League this season, along with Jarrod Bowen and Mason Mount. Output.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 5, 2022
But Reece James received plenty of plaudits and rightfully so after his 70-minute appearance away from home that included a goal and an assist.
With that, he became just the third English player in the Premier League this season with at least 5-goals and 5-assists in the league along with friend and Chelsea clubmate Mason Mount, and standout West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen.
Chelsea academy at Cobham continues to shine
Performances from Reece James and Mason Mount have been key to the football on offer at Stamford Bridge since the Cobham graduates broke into the first-team setup, but the influence of the Chelsea production line has truly taken hold outside of west London this season as well.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 14: Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace celebrates after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at American Express Community Stadium on January 14, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
James and Mount are two of four Blues academy products that have scored at least 5-goals this season. The other two? Armando Broja, and Conor Gallagher.
Broja has gone from strength to strength this season under Ralph Hasenhüttl at Southampton this season and has become a first-choice option at St. Mary’s, angling himself for a potential move away from Chelsea should he not be given a chance in the English capital moving forward.
As for Gallagher, he has been one of the standout performers for Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace, which has potentially forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s thinking next season as Chelsea could be in line to look at a midfield refit over the summer.
