Mauricio Pochettino believes Reece James will remind everyone next season that he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.
James has endured another difficult season and has only made 11 appearances due to more injury woes.
The 24-year-old underwent successful hamstring surgery in December and returned to first team action in the recent win against Nottingham Forest, providing an assist within three minutes of coming on.
Pochettino: James will remind everyone how good he is
James continued his return to fitness on Wednesday evening against Brighton, but unfortunately he was sent off for violent conduct late on.
The red card means James will sit out the final game against Bournemouth, and the first three games of next season due to it being his second red card of the season, following his sending off against Newcastle.
There’s an outside chance the England international could make Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros, although that appears unlikely given his lack of minutes and match fitness.
Pochettino has backed his captain to show he’s one of the best in the league next season, and acknowledged it had been a difficult campaign for the right back.
“It has obviously been a very difficult season for Reece but now we need to help him move on, to accept the punishment that for sure will be there”, Pochettino told reporters.
“The most important thing now is that we back him, we trust in him and that we help him to be ready for pre-season, to start to train and build his fitness.
“Then the talent is there for sure that next season he’s going to be one of the best players again in the Premier League.”
Chelsea head into the final day needing a point against Bournemouth to guarantee a top six finish, but could finish fifth if they win and Tottenham lose against Sheffield United.
A win against the Cherries would see the Blues win five games in a row for the first time under the club’s new ownership, and leave a really positive feeling heading into next season.