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Pundit Joe Cole has lavished praise on Chelsea captain Reece James and has highlighted his transformation. The ex-England winger has claimed that James has grown both as a footballer as well as a leader.
James is currently the longest-serving player at Stamford Bridge having come through the club's youth ranks. The full-back has struggled with injury problems in recent years but has been injury-free thus far this season.
Joe Cole, who spent seven memorable years at Stamford Bridge as a player, has hailed James' progress. In the buildup to the Blues' trip to Burnley on Saturday, November 22, the pundit said on TNT Sports, via The Chelsea Chronicle:
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“Every dealing I’ve had with him, he’s quiet, calm and assured, you can be that type of leader, and he has that. He’s building this calmness, this style he’s maturing, he’s figuring out his body. I think he’s a different player to the one who burst onto the scene, he’s working it out, he’s a credit to himself and to Chelsea.”
Reece James has been thoroughly impressive for Enzo Maresca's side this season. He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 15 appearances across competitions this season.
The creative full-back has made 205 appearances for Chelsea till date scoring 15 times while producing 26 assists. He has won five trophies for his boyhood club including one Champions League.
Joe Cole urges Chelsea to sign Premier League attacker
Joe Cole has urged Chelsea to make a move for in-form Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The pundit has claimed that the 25-year-old Ghana international would be a perfect fit for Enzo Maresca's side.
Cole has claimed that Semenyo's age might not fit his former club's vision but they should make an exception. He said, as quoted by Metro:
"Knowing Chelsea, he might be too old! I'd have to check his age, but from a football perspective, if he's available and he wants to come, it's a no-brainer in terms of bringing him into the football club."
Cole added:
"With Chelsea's model, there'll be a financial element and evaluation element to it, so it'll come down to that. He'd be a welcome addition to the Chels squad, and he probably starts, because he's been superb for Bournemouth."
Semenyo has gone from strength to strength since joining Bournemouth in January 2023 from Championship side Bristol City. He has been on fire this season scoring six goals and providing three assists in 12 appearances this campaign. Semenyo has a release clause of £65 million for the January transfer window and has attracted interest from a number of clubs.
