Chelsea legend John Terry has shared his thoughts on Reece James’ captaincy, acknowledging the differences between their leadership styles while offering words of encouragement to the current skipper.

James was handed the Chelsea armband in 2023, but injuries have hampered his ability to lead consistently on the pitch. Despite this, Terry believes the right-back is handling the responsibility well in his own way.

“Reece leads the team different to the way I did which is fine. There is different ways to be a captain and a leader,” Terry told BBC.

The former Chelsea captain, who lifted multiple Premier League and Champions League titles during his time at the club, emphasised that James must embrace his own style rather than try to emulate anyone else.

“I said this to him, Reece has to be 100 percent Reece James. He doesn’t need to be 10 percent John Terry,” Terry added.

“He has to be really authentic because he is the one speaking in front of the boys as well and—if not—people will see through.”

James’ leadership has been questioned at times, but Terry remains supportive, highlighting that consistency in performances is the foundation of any great captaincy.

“He is doing a good job, but I think first and foremost when you are a captain of a football club you need to be consistent in your performances and to do that you have to play week in and week out.”

With James spending much of the season on the sidelines, vice-captain Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo have frequently stepped in to wear the armband. However, when fit, the Chelsea academy graduate remains a key figure in Enzo Maresca’s squad.

As Terry suggests, the biggest challenge for James is staying available and leading by example on the pitch. If he can overcome his fitness struggles, Chelsea fans could yet see him develop into the kind of long-term leader the club needs.