Reece James posts throwback picture from Chelsea academy days including Mason Mount and Declan Rice

Reece James has posted a ‘throwback’ picture of himself and other Premier League stars during their time at Chelsea‘s academy.

With no football being played at the moment due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Chelsea right back has taken time to reflect on his journey from youth team to first team.

The Instagram post depicts an array young players huddled around former Blues forward Franco Di Santo who represented the club between 2008 and 2010.

Reece James ( L) has posted a photo from his Chelsea academy days with teammates Mason Mount (third from L), Dan Kemp (R), Declan Rice (second from R) and ex-Blue Franco Di Santo

Mason Mount and Reece James have both enjoyed a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge

Ruffling the Argentine’s hair is Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, while a youthful James can also be seen smiling at the camera.

2019-20 has been a breakthrough season for both players at Stamford Bridge. Mount has registered six goals and five assists in 41 appearances and James has recorded two goals and four assists in 26 matches.

On the right of Di Santo in the photo is West Ham star Declan Rice. The midfielder has already racked up 100 appearances since making his Hammers debut in 2017.

Rice is not the only player in the image to join West Ham after spending time at Chelsea’s academy. Dan Kemp has scored one goal in six games on loan at Stevenage this term but has not yet made a senior start for the Hammers.

These four identified youngsters in James’ picture – all born in 1999 – have recorded a combined 222 EFL and Premier League appearances, with Rice and Mount also representing England at full international level.