Style Obsession, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Friendship with Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation represents an innovative program where prominent figures from athletics and entertainment participate with presenter Kelly Somers for frank and detailed discussions about the beautiful game.

The program examines mental approach and drive, covering pivotal experiences, professional achievements and individual insights. This series uncovers the person behind the player.

Reece James began training with Chelsea at six years old and - after developing through the academy and into the first team - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, scoring on his debut in a 7-1 victory over the opposition in September 2019.

Currently twenty-five, his professional achievements so far include earning his England debut against Wales in 2020, claiming the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

Nevertheless, things have not always gone smoothly, with multiple fitness issues affecting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with Kelly Somers to talk about his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: Initial inquiry: identity, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure many will know that location. My beverage is a specific coffee type.

The host: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

Reece: Not exactly, it started with, like, flavored coffees and stuff.

Kelly: Let's start by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?

The defender: Essentially, from a little kid, it's kind of all I knew in education. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I just loved playing football.

The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this difficult to answer because it represented a big part of your early years and development?

Reece: Not particularly, just because my recollection is so bad. My earliest memory was likely, I don't know, attending matches of my sibling compete. He's my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

The host: It was big in your household, correct, because your dad was so heavily involved? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Tell me a bit about that.

The athlete: Well there was three children growing up. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a trainer as well, and we used to train a lot with him.

The presenter: Can you recall a lot of those training periods? Since I read that as young as the age of four, you were outside and he was doing exercises with you in the back garden.

James: Yeah, I remember - the drills began early. Fortunately, they paid off for me and my sister [the club and national team attacker Lauren James].

The interviewer: Talk to me about your initial club that you played for as a child, what was it called, and what can you remember?

The defender: I don't remember much, to be honest. It was the local team in the area. I believe I was there for about a year. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

The host: And you weren't a backline player at first, correct? Explain about your positional journey and its development...

James: I began as a striker, and then eventually transitioned to the wing, left side, right wing, and later to central positions, and then finally at right-back, and I hated it at the time.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Since I consistently desired to play midfield. There was less involvement with the ball as much but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

Kelly: You said you started as an attacker - who served as your role model?

Reece: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a Chelsea fan during youth and he was the player I looked up to.

The host: Identify a pivotal moment in your career - an experience that has influenced your development and the professional you have evolved into?

Reece: I'd likely identify the loan spell. Bridging the gap between academy and first-team football is most challenging and that is likely what many athletes making the jump find difficult.

Kelly: You're talking about the club, naturally. Why was Wigan the ideal team for you at the time? The location was distant from all you knew in London - what made it successful so well?

Reece: The primary factor is that I played consistently, which proves beneficial. I acquired a lot of experiences - I relocated from my companions and relatives and had to mature fast. Playing on a regular schedule assisted a lot.

Kelly: Who has had the biggest impact on your professional journey?

Reece: I'd identify [Brazil defender] the veteran. He is nearly old enough to be my father and has played at elite standard for so long. He always tried to help me from the moment he arrived and continues to, even now he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].

Kelly: How specifically would he assist you?

James: These were little messages away from games. During matches, he would sometimes observe situations that I perceived differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

Kelly: It was undoubtedly pleasant to meet him recently [during the tournament]?

Reece: It was wonderful to see him again. I'm pleased that his club did well in the competition [they were defeated in the semi-finals to the champions Chelsea]. It is always good to see him.

Kelly: Were you able to return and experience again one match in your career, which would you pick?

James: If the outcome is remains the identical - I'd select the European Cup decider.

The host: Other than winning, what was so special about that night