Style Obsession, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Friendship with Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program where prominent figures from sports and show business participate with presenter the interviewer for frank and detailed discussions about football.

The program examines mental approach and drive, covering defining moments, career highlights and personal reflections. This series reveals the individual beyond the player.

The Chelsea defender started practicing with Chelsea at six years old and - having progressed through the academy and into the senior squad - is now club captain.

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

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include earning his England debut against the Welsh team in the year 2020, claiming the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries impacting him over the past four seasons.

The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to talk about his professional peaks, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with multiple Formula One title winner the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: Initial inquiry: identity, where you're from, and your preferred coffee?

Reece James: I am Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I expect many will know that area. My beverage is a flat white.

The host: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

Reece: Not exactly, I began with, such as, vanilla lattes and similar drinks.

Kelly: We'll begin by discussing soccer. What does football mean to you?

Reece: Essentially, from childhood, it's kind of my entire focus in school. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I just loved playing football.

The interviewer: Your first recollection of participating? Is this difficult to respond to because it was such a big part of your early years and growing up?

James: No, simply due to my recollection is quite poor. My earliest memory was probably, unsure, attending matches of my sibling play. He's two years older than me, and he used to play as well.

Kelly: It was big in your household, correct, because your dad was deeply engaged? He is a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Share with me a little about that.

The athlete: So there was three children growing up. We were completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

Kelly: Can you recall many of those training periods? Since I read that as young as the age of four, you practiced outdoors and he was doing drills with you in the yard.

Reece: Yeah, I recall - the training began early. Fortunately, they paid off for myself and my sister [Chelsea and England attacker Lauren James].

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

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. That was the local team in the area. I believe I played for about a year. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

The host: You didn't start as a backline player at first, were you? Explain about your positional journey and how that changed...

James: I started off as a forward, and then subsequently transitioned to wide positions, left side, right side, and eventually to midfield, and then eventually at defensive role, and I hated it at the time.

The presenter: What caused your dislike for it?

The athlete: Because I always wanted to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the ball as much but eventually everything fell into place and I've been a defender since.

Kelly: You mentioned you began as a forward - who served as your idol?

Reece: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a supporter during youth and he was the player I admired.

The host: Identify a pivotal moment in your professional life - a moment that has shaped you and the professional you have become?

The defender: I'd likely identify going on loan. Bridging the gap between youth and senior level is the hardest and this represents likely what most players transitioning upwards find challenging.

The presenter: You're referring to Wigan, naturally. Why did Wigan become the right club for you at the time? It was distant from all you knew in London - what made it successful so effectively?

Reece: The primary factor is that I played week in week out, which helps. I acquired valuable exposure - I relocated from my friends and family and had to grow up fast. Participating on a consistent basis assisted a lot.

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

The athlete: I'd identify [Brazil defender] Thiago Silva. He is almost sufficiently experienced to be my father and has competed at elite standard for many years. He consistently attempted to help me from the minute he arrived and still does, even now he is not here [after leaving the club in that year].

Kelly: How specifically would he assist you?

Reece: It was little messages away from games. On the pitch, he would sometimes see things that I saw differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

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

The defender: It proved wonderful to see him again. I'm pleased that his club performed admirably in the tournament [they lost in the semi-finals to eventual winners Chelsea]. It's always good to encounter him.

The interviewer: Were you able to go back and replay a single game in your professional history, which would you pick?

Reece: Assuming the result is going to be the identical - it would be the Champions League [final].

The host: Other than winning, what made it exceptional about the occasion