Wigan Athletic have had a weird few seasons since getting relegated from the Premier League in 2013. That year, they became the first team ever to win the FA Cup while dropping out of the English top flight, qualifying for Europe in the process. But manager Roberto Martinez went off to Everton, Wigan failed to get out of the Europa League group stage, and they’ve spent most of time since yo-yo-ing between the second and third divisions, winning the latter twice, including last season.

Hoping to avoid another relegation, especially now that they’re owned by the wonderfully vaguely named “International Entertainment Corporation” of Hong Kong, Wigan made a few key signings this past summer, including Sunderland castoffs Darron Gibson and Callum McManaman, Rangers’ leading scorer Josh Windass, and perhaps most key of them all, Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year, Reece James on loan.

The 18-year-old, by far the youngest player in the first-team squad has also been the most impressive and after winning the club’s Player of the Month award for September, he’s now won the same award for October and November as well. That’s right, three in a row!

Third consecutive player of the month! Thanks for all the support pic.twitter.com/NgiQh3tDV7 — Reece James (@reecejames69) December 1, 2018

James has started 19 of 20 league games for Wigan, missing just 45 minutes of Championship action all season. He’s even chipped in with a goal, but it’s his overall play that’s getting him all the recognition. If he were not a Chelsea Academy graduate, we’d be looking to spend Zappacosta-money on him.

Yep Reece James is a beast and would be ideal for Sarri. Great in defence is rock solid and most importantly can actually cross a ball which is something I can't remember us ever having on the right side — James Pails (@Pailsy) November 27, 2018

Keep it up, Reece!