Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column in which Nick Wright uses a blend of data and opinion to shed light on need-to-know stories from up and down the Premier League. This week:
🟦 James does it all for Chelsea
💪 Hall earning deserved acclaim
🔍 A player to watch this weekend
Trent-like delivery, leadership and more
The disappointment of their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain is still fresh for Chelsea as they prepare to face Newcastle, live on Sky Sports on Saturday, but confirmation of a new contract for Reece James brings some welcome positivity.
The Chelsea captain, whose previous deal was due to expire in 2028, has committed until 2032. Aged 26, and entering his peak years, it reflects his belief in the project. "I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes," he said.
Their chances of doing that are undoubtedly greater with James involved, especially with his injury problems seemingly behind him. It is over a year since he last suffered a significant setback. He has played his highest share of minutes since 2020/21 this term.
He is crucial to Liam Rosenior, just as he was to his predecessor in the Chelsea dugout, Enzo Maresca. "For as long as I'm here, he will be my leader," said the Chelsea head coach on Friday.
His leadership is of course only one part of his offering.
James is a player with few weaknesses and many strengths. A press box seat at the Emirates Stadium for Chelsea's meeting with Arsenal earlier this month allowed a first-hand view of his masterclass in delivery, both from open play and set-pieces.
He did not technically earn an assist for the borderline undefendable inswinging corner that led to Piero Hincapie's own goal in that game, according to Opta, but he has six of them already this season in all competitions, in addition to three goals.
He offers Trent Alexander-Arnold-like passing ability without the defensive question marks, which helps to explain why is likely to be England's starting right-back at this summer's World Cup, and why his head coach at club level feels he is a level above anyone else.
"I can't stop smiling because we have secured the best player in world football in his position," added Rosenior.
In addition to the many qualities he brings to the right-back role, there is the versatility and tactical intelligence that allows him to slot into central midfield, or even at centre-back.
His minutes have been spread around the pitch this season but he has excelled in all positions, against differing opponents.
James demonstrated his adaptability the last time Chelsea faced Saturday's opponents Newcastle, starting in midfield before moving to right-back following Malo Gusto's withdrawal, in a game which perfectly encapsulated his importance to the side as his sensational free-kick inspired a fightback from two goals down to draw.
Back at Stamford Bridge, this weekend and for many years to come, Chelsea will hope for more of the same from their captain.
Hall's Yamal shutdown
As James tightens his grip on the England right-back position for the World Cup, Lewis Hall, a fellow graduate of Chelsea's academy, is making a strong case to be their starting left-back. The pair are set to go up against each other on Saturday afternoon.
Hall goes into the game having produced an outstanding display in Newcastle's Champions League meeting with Barcelona. Lamine Yamal ended up scoring the penalty to level the tie but he couldn't find a way past Hall all night. It was the first Barcelona game all season in which the 18-year-old has not completed a dribble.
For Newcastle, it was just another game in which Hall has demonstrated his quality in possession as well as out of it. He excels and cutting through opponents, whether it's by punching passes into midfield or driving forward with the ball at his feet.
He is forward-thinking in terms of his off-the-ball support too.
According to Opta, Hall ranks first among all Premier League players this season for underlapping off-ball runs and second for overlapping off-ball runs. He is one of only two players among the top five in both categories along with Liverpool's Milos Kerkez.
James, his former Chelsea team-mate, and possibly his future England team-mate heading towards the World Cup, will be aware of the qualities he brings to his role and the threat he can pose.
Player Radar: Who else to keep an eye on
At the same time Chelsea and Newcastle kick off at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal face Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will hope to continue his fine form having scored one goal and set up another Everton's wins over Newcastle and Burnley.