Enzo Maresca’s Vision for Reece James
Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, has revealed that his decision to play Reece James as a defensive midfielder was part of his plan from the very beginning. James, typically known for his role as a right-back, delivered a stunning long-range goal in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Copenhagen in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday evening. Maresca insisted that he has always seen James as a potential No.6, and he shared that he communicated this vision to the Chelsea captain almost immediately after taking charge at Stamford Bridge last summer.
The Revelation: A Long-Term Plan
Maresca’s revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into his strategic thinking and long-term vision for the team. ‘So, you can ask Reece; when I signed with Chelsea, probably the day after, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder,’ Maresca said. ‘I see Reece as a midfielder, not now—since day one. Before I met him for the first time, he was on holiday, and I sent him a clip of him playing in midfield.’ This early communication underscores Maresca’s confidence in James’s versatility and his belief in the player’s potential to excel in a new position.
James’s Performance: A Midfield Maestro
James’s performance against Copenhagen was a testament to his adaptability and skill. The 25-year-old, who has been a key figure at Chelsea since breaking into the first team in 2019, has typically been deployed as a full-back or wing-back. Known for his defensive solidity and attacking prowess, James’s ability to influence the game from a midfield role was on full display. His goal, a stunning long-range effort, not only secured Chelsea’s win but also highlighted his technical and physical capabilities. This performance suggests that Maresca’s vision of utilizing James in midfield could be a significant asset for the team.
Fitness and Future Prospects
While James’s performance was impressive, Maresca emphasized that the primary objective remains keeping the player fit. Injuries have been a persistent issue for James, with hamstring and knee problems causing him to miss large portions of recent campaigns. ‘The main target for us is to help him be fit all season,’ Maresca added. James has made over 118 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, winning the Champions League in 2021 and establishing himself as one of the club’s most important players. Despite the physical challenges, his ability has never been in doubt, and Maresca’s strategic deployment in midfield could provide a new dimension to his game.
A Call for England Inclusion
Joe Cole, a former Chelsea and England player, has also taken note of James’s performance and has called for his return to the England squad. ‘He will have the respect of every player at Chelsea because of what he can do technically and physically,’" said Cole during the post-match analysis on TNT Sports. ‘When he was at his best, he was as good as anyone in the world, no doubt about that.’ Cole highlighted James’s comfort in the midfield role, a position he excelled in during his loan spell at Wigan Athletic, where he was named Player of the Year as a young teenager. ‘He’s got so much to offer Chelsea and so much to offer England. It’s so great to see him impacting the game like he did tonight. Don’t give up on Reece James because there is still a real, real world-class player in there who can be a massive player for Chelsea and England. Hopefully he can keep going now.’
Looking Ahead: Leicester and Copenhagen
Having secured a crucial victory in Copenhagen, Chelsea will now focus on Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City. The team will then return to Stamford Bridge to host Copenhagen in the decisive second leg of their UEFA Conference League tie next week. Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel will weigh up his England squad selection ahead of friendly games with Albania and Latvia on March 21 and 24, respectively. James’s performance in midfield has undoubtedly put him back in the spotlight, and his continued success could see him return to the national team in the near future.
