There have been some fitness issues along the way, but James\u2019 injury woes appear to be behind him<\/a> \u2014 knock on wood. <\/p>\n He has developed into a complete footballer and the leader of this Chelsea<\/a> side, and Cole thinks this season has shown us a new version of the right-back. <\/p>\n In the buildup to Chelsea\u2019s trip to Burnley, Cole<\/a> singled out James for his performances this season. <\/p>\n The former Chelsea star has been really impressed with him, even more so in the last couple of months. <\/p>\n During TNT Sports\u2019<\/a> pre-match coverage, Cole said: \u201cEvery dealing I\u2019ve had with him, he\u2019s quiet, calm and assured, you can be that type of leader, and he has that.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s building this calmness, this style he\u2019s maturing, he\u2019s figuring out his body. I think he\u2019s a different player to the one who burst onto the scene, he\u2019s working it out, he\u2019s a credit to himself and to Chelsea.\u201d<\/p>\n Cole thinks the captain has gone up a level in terms of performance, but also in maturity. James sets the example at Chelsea<\/a>. He\u2019s still only 25, but he\u2019s one of the senior figures at the club. <\/p>\n James given second half off against Burnley <\/p>\n![\"Chelsea](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2244039532-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Vince Mignott\/MB Media\/Getty ImagesJoe Cole has high praise for Chelsea\u2019s Reece James <\/p>\n