Reece James Shining in Midfield Under Enzo Maresca
Chelsea’s captain, Reece James, is earning praise from both his manager and teammates as he thrives in a new midfield role. The talented full-back has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but since mid-January, he has remained fit—a development partly attributed to a tactical change introduced by Enzo Maresca.
From Explosive Full-Back to Dominant Midfielder
James initially built his reputation as a dynamic full-back, contributing significantly in both defensive and attacking plays. However, recurring injuries have forced a shift in his playing style. Rather than risk further setbacks, Maresca has redefined James’ role, deploying him in midfield, where his technical abilities, vision, and leadership continue to shine.
The experiment began in Chelsea’s away match against Aston Villa, where James operated in central midfield. The success of this tactical tweak saw him retain the role in the Europa League last-16 clash against Copenhagen. Not only did James contribute to Chelsea’s midfield dominance, but he also scored a crucial goal in the 2-1 victory, solidifying his impact.
Maresca’s Vision for James as a Midfielder
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has long believed that James possesses the qualities of a midfielder. Following the Copenhagen match, he expressed his satisfaction with the captain’s performance:
“He is in a very good mood. He played very well against Aston Villa and again tonight. We know how important he is for us—he is our captain, a fantastic player. The key for us is to keep him fit, as we need him throughout the season.”
Maresca further revealed that his vision for James in midfield was not a recent decision but rather a long-term belief:
“You can ask Reece—when I signed with Chelsea, probably the day after, I sent him a video of him playing as a midfielder. I saw his potential in that role from day one, even before meeting him in person. He was on holiday at the time, but I sent him a clip showcasing his abilities in midfield.”
James’ Versatility: A Game-Changer for Chelsea
This season, James has demonstrated his versatility by playing in multiple positions, including full-back, center-back, and now central midfield. His ability to adapt and excel across different roles gives Chelsea additional flexibility, particularly in light of injury concerns elsewhere in the squad.
Maresca emphasized the importance of keeping James fit and utilizing him strategically:
“The main target for us is to help him remain fit all season. He can play in many positions, and at this moment, we are using him in midfield, where he is performing exceptionally well.”
Chelsea Squad Embracing James’ New Role
James’ midfield displays have earned admiration from his Chelsea teammates. Following his strong performance against Copenhagen, he took to Instagram to express his delight, posting:
“Huge team performance tonight, thanks to the traveling fans.”
The response from his teammates was overwhelmingly positive. Pedro Neto commented, “What a player [heart eyes and fire emoji],” while Marc Cucurella simply added, “Siuuuu [fire emoji].” Trevoh Chalobah also chimed in, calling James’ performance “Serious tekk.”
These reactions highlight the squad’s appreciation of James’ new role and his growing influence in the team.
Solving Chelsea’s Midfield Dilemma
James’ transition to midfield has provided Chelsea with a timely solution amid injury setbacks. Romeo Lavia, signed for £53 million from Southampton, has struggled with fitness issues, limiting his availability. With Lavia sidelined, Chelsea has been short of midfield options, but James’ seamless adaptation to the role has alleviated those concerns.
While Lavia has shown glimpses of his talent in limited appearances, Maresca’s tactical adjustment with James ensures Chelsea remains competitive even in the Belgian’s absence.
The Future of Reece James in Midfield
Reece James’ reinvention as a midfielder under Maresca could shape the future of Chelsea’s tactical approach. If he continues to excel in this role, he could become a key figure in Chelsea’s midfield for years to come. His intelligence, passing range, and defensive solidity make him an asset in this position, while his ability to play multiple roles enhances the team’s overall depth and adaptability.
As Chelsea pushes forward in both domestic and European competitions, keeping James fit and maximizing his contributions in midfield could be crucial to their success. With Maresca’s vision and James’ undeniable talent, the Blues have found a winning formula that benefits both player and club.
