Mauricio Pochettino is backing the Chelsea star to prove he is one of the best in the league next season

Mauricio Pochettino believes Reece James will remind everyone next season that he is one of the best players in the Premier League.

James endured another difficult season and only made 11 appearances due to further injuries.

The 24-year-old had successful hamstring surgery in December and returned to the first team in the recent win over Nottingham Forest, providing an assist within three minutes of coming on.

Pochettino: James will remind everyone how good he is

James continued to return to form on Wednesday evening against Brighton, but was unfortunately sent off for violent behaviour.

The red card means James will sit out the final game against Bournemouth, as well as the first three games of next season as it was his second red card of the season, following his sending off against Newcastle.

There is an outside chance the England international could make Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros, although that seems unlikely given his lack of minutes and intensity of play.

Pochettino has backed his captain to prove he is one of the best players in the league next season, and admitted it has been a difficult campaign for the right-back.

“Obviously it has been a very difficult season for Reece but now we need to help him to continue, to accept the punishment that will inevitably come”, Pochettino told the press.

“The most important thing now is that we support him, trust him and help him get ready for the pre-season games, start training and strengthen him.

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