'I always tried to help him in his development' - Azpilicueta on James

[Getty Images] Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta says it is not a surprise that Reece James is playing at the highest level for club and country after seeing the England right-back come through the youth ranks during his time at Stamford Bridge. The two defenders spent four years together in the first team and won the 2021 Champions League together. James eventually succeeded the Spaniard as the Blues captain in 2023. "I rate him really highly," Azpilicueta told BBC Radio 5 live's Football Daily podcast. "He's a top player. I knew him when he was coming through the youth teams and he was starting with the first team. "We played in the same position but when he was starting with the first team I was playing a bit more on the left when we were playing four at the back. Then when we played a lot, he was playing right wing-back and I was playing right centre-back so we had a lot of communication. "I always tried to help him in his development. We are kind of different players but he took over the captaincy when I left, so I really rate him. He's a top player, top guy and I keep looking at him and seeing his development because now he's playing in midfield. "He's doing amazing. He has top qualities. It doesn't surprise me seeing him playing at this level with England. He deserves it. It makes me really happy." Listen to the full episode below or on BBC Sounds