EPL: Strange, he’s never fit – Deeney knocks Chelsea’s decision to appoint 24-year-old as captain

Watford legend, Troy Deeney, has criticized Chelsea’s decision to appoint 24-year-old defender Reece James as the Blues captain.

Deeney believes Chelsea’s decision was ‘strange’, adding that the England international is never fit and available for the team.

James was named Chelsea’s skipper in August 2023 following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta from Stamford Bridge.

But the Academy product has endured a tough spell with injuries since then.

He featured in Chelsea’s last four Premier League matches, his first minutes of the season for Enzo Maresca’s side before the international break.

However, James is now facing another spell on the sidelines after picking up a fresh injury ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

“The most damning thing you can say about Reece James is that you’re surprised when he’s on a team sheet,” Deeney told talkSPORT.

“If he’s got injury problems which he clearly has, it’s unfortunate. Sometimes it’s just the way your body is. Some people train their best and they just break down.

“But it just seems to me that he always breaks down. I thought it was strange to make him captain if I’m being totally honest for the reason that he’s never fit and available.”

EPL: Strange, he’s never fit – Deeney knocks Chelsea’s decision to appoint 24-year-old as captain