Users of the Chelsea Official App voted James our standout performer at the City Ground after an impressive 200th appearance for the Blues, which was capped off with a goal and an assist.

James has previously faced injury battles but, after missing much of the start of the 2024/25 campaign, he was a regular name on the team-sheet during the second half of the season and made 32 appearances in all competitions.

This term, apart from the League Cup win over Lincoln City, when he was an unused substitute, the Chelsea captain has started six and come on in the other four games in the Premier League and Champions League.

‘I am feeling good and that is reflecting on how I am performing at the moment,’ James said.

‘I am on the way to getting back to where I was. It has taken a long time but I am feeling stronger game by game and I am happy to be playing regularly for Chelsea Football Club.’

James then touched upon what has changed to keep him on the pitch more regularly: ‘I don’t want to go into it too much but there are many people behind the scenes who are helping me – they know who they are. There is someone at the club who I work closely with, and he has been a big part of keeping me on the pitch.’

Alongside James in defence on Saturday was Josh Acheampong, who himself was partnered by another Chelsea Academy graduate in Trevoh Chalobah.

Acheampong enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last term, making 13 appearances in all competitions, and with Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin and Benoit Badiashile all sidelined at different times at start of this season, the 19-year-old has started our last two Premier League games and featured in five games in total so far.

‘I am delighted for him,’ James said. ‘He is an amazing player. When you are so young, the biggest learning is playing on a regular basis.

‘I try to help him as much as I can and people have seen what he can do and how well he can play.’