Cesar Azpilicueta believes Chelsea's summer recruitment of more experienced heads will prove valuable for Reece James as he settles into the role of club captain, according to BBC News.
The former Blues skipper, who handed the armband down during his time at Stamford Bridge, feels having seasoned professionals around the squad will ease the burden on James and support his development as a leader at a club still blending youth with know-how.
Azpilicueta's comments come amid Chelsea's ongoing project under Todd Boehly's ownership, which has seen a mix of young talent paired with more experienced additions in recent transfer windows - a balance the Spaniard appears to endorse as beneficial for James specifically.