Reece James gives glowing PSG verdict as Chelsea captain makes huge prediction for next season

Reece James believes Chelsea have made a "big statement" to their rivals with their Club World Cup triumph against PSG.

Cole Palmer scored two brilliant goals and created a third for Joao Pedro – all in the first half – as the Blues shocked the Champions League winners to win 3-0. The result means James has now lifted two pieces of silverware this season, following the Blues' Conference League win over Real Betis in May.

“I think for sure we are moving in the right direction, winning this trophy against such good opposition,” said Chelsea captain James. “So it’s a big statement.

“I’m happy with how much the club has progressed and how next season you know we’ll be competing in the Premier League, to win the title and compete and to go far in the Champions League as well. I think this showed how far our club has come. We’ve had a difficult few years, not competing in the Champions League. This was the best team we faced and we knew it was going to be tough but the team was ready, and I think we showed that.”

Chelsea had been written off in many quarters before the game with PSG, who famously thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final in May, having routed Real Madrid 4-0 just four days previously. Yet their victory was thoroughly deserved as tempers boiled over after the final whistle as scuffles broke out between the two teams.

“It’s amazing for me,” James added, who has overcome a series of injury setbacks. “Since I was a little boy I supported this team.

“I just wanted to play for this club. Just once would have been enough for me, so to captain the team and to lead them to two trophies this season, it’s been a dream for me. We beat the champions of Europe. For sure it gives us confidence and I am looking forward to the future.”

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