These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

James on influential signings

Reece James’ brilliant start to the season was rewarded with another call-up to the England national team where he played 90 minutes against the Republic of Ireland last night.

In his second season as a member of Chelsea’s senior team, the 20-year-old looks well suited for the Premier League and is also proving to be one of the most promising young players.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, James revealed how the new signings have helped him improve his game this campaign.

The 20-year-old has been playing in a back four with one of the most decorated centre-backs in Thiago Silva. The Brazilian’s introduction to the Chelsea line-up has helped provide more defensive stability which has helped James.

‘Thiago has brought a lot of experience,’ he said. ‘I have played alongside him a few times now. He has helped me a lot.

‘You can see straight away why he has been one of the best in the world. He constantly talks to me throughout games, helping me in my positioning, directing me and making sure he is talking to me before, during and after games.

‘It all adds up and improves performances.’

Up the pitch, James has Hakim Ziyech who is starting to show the quality he displayed at Ajax. Our fans got a real glimpse of what he can bring to the line-up in the 4-1 win against Sheffield United.

‘There have been signs with Ziyech in training,’ James said.

‘Ever since he arrived, we got on well and I knew I would be playing behind him.

‘We clicked early and tried to build this connection in training to use this season. His left foot is just unbelievably good.’

Cole backs Mount

Mason Mount has featured regularly for England and impressed once again last night in the Three Lions’ friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

Former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole spoke about Mount on ITV, repeated in the Metro. He explained the qualities the 21-year-old brings to the England team and why Gareth Southgate has picked him regularly compared to Jack Grealish

‘You can’t compare them,’ he said. ‘The quality Mason brings to not just this England team, but the Chelsea team, he brings that energy, willingness to run and graft.

‘That desire and work ethic, it’s a must, it’s the standard but with quality, so I think it’s unfair to compare them.’

Southgate deployed Mount in the middle of the park, an area where he controlled and showed his willingness to press and hunt down the opposition for possession capping another top national team display.

Batshuayi hoping to bring Belgium form to Palace

Michy Batshuayi has opened up about his frustration at not being able to recreate his international form with Belgium for Crystal Palace.

The Chelsea loanee was on the score sheet again when he struck twice for Belgium in their fixture against Switzerland. Batshuayi has scored five goals in three games for the Red Devils, moving his all-time tally to 21.

In the Premier League though, Batshuayi is still struggling to get on the score sheet this season. He has no goals in five games for Palace and wants to change that soon.

‘Why do I score so easily here? That’s a question I ask myself,’ Batshuayi said to RTL Sport, repeated in Goal.com.

'It’s a bit annoying but I don’t think about the past, I’m going forward.

‘Personally, it feels good to score two goals. It shows that I have qualities, I have to try to perform well in the club as in the national team.’

Batshuayi will look forward to facing England in the Nations League on Sunday when he will catch up with some of his Blues team-mates.