Chelsea fullback Reece James feels he's proved himself Premier League class this season.

The Blues prospect was hampered by injury at the start of the campaign, but feels like he settled well once back to full fitness.

“This season was slow getting started, because I was injured at the start," he said.

"But, as I found my rhythm and the season has gone on, I think my performances have picked up.

“I think it's great that loads of players I played with coming through the academy are now in the first team as well.

“I think it shows how hard the academy works and the effort they put in to produce good players."