Chelsea hit money on “incredible” talent

Chelsea has had excellent business in the transfer market over the past few years, leading the platform to Enzo Maresca.

The Italians have depth in the main areas and are free to use great teams to help them sit fourth in the Premier League.

But mixing it with the fantastic academy facility in West London gives it a great combination, with many players jumping into the senior ranks for many years.

Levi Colwill has solidified Maresca’s backline position in the last few months, starting everything except two league outings since his summer appointment.

He often partnered with another player who emerged through Cobham’s ranks and named himself with his incredible performances since his debut.

Chelsea Reese James statistics for 2024/25

Fullback Reese James has struggled with injuries in recent years, limiting Chelsea’s progress and maximizing his potential.

The 25-year-old made just 11 appearances in the Premier League in 2024/25, but he still managed to impress, leading to the current call for an international break.

He managed to complete 90% of the passes he attempted, but created a 0.9 chance per game. Despite his defensive role, he had a major impact on the attacking area.

James was also able to catch the eye defensively, winning 5.4 duels per 90 so far, along with 1.1 interceptions, which helped him maintain six clean sheets in the league this season.

But despite his impressive show after his latest set-off, he is now underrated below the single player who often fills the gap in his recent absence.

Chelsea player worth more than James

His injury issues allowed many players to wager claims at right back under Maresca.

Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana are two players who run in the aforementioned divisions but struggle to match the performance level of one other first team member.

Malo Gusto has been steadily developing ever since joining the Blues in January 2023, bringing the product from the right back of Maresca’s side.

The French have already featured 66 times in the Blues, 29 of which have appeared in the current campaign, with the majority in the Premier League.

He is impressed in many key areas, surpassing James in various divisions, showing the rise he has endured since his big-budget transfer.

Previously called “incredible” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Gusto is able to complete more progressive carry, achieve higher pass accuracy, highlighting the threat he carries in the attack.

But he also managed to win more tackles per 90, but has more blocks and has that defensive solidity to help Maresca help him in search of Champions League football.

As a result of his show, the 21-year-old saw his market value at £30 million, according to TransferMarkt.

It is clear that such deals are well adopted by the club in the transfer market and are making appropriate calls to pass on a platform to invest and improve young talent.

With both Gusto and James in the book, the pair have the opportunity to write themselves in the history of the blues, so it’s safe to say that the department should be sorted out for years to come.