Enzo Maresca recently spoke about Reece James and his recent injury-free run, making a claim that’s sure to excite Chelsea fans.
Anyone who knows football knows that James is a quality player. His athleticism, technical ability and mentality are second to none, but injuries have plagued his career.
James is one of Chelsea’s best players, and having him available automatically elevates the ceiling of what this side can achieve.
That’s the kind of talent you want to keep healthy, and Maresca thinks he may have found the answer to the Englishman’s injury woes.
Enzo Maresca’s theory on Reece James fitness
Maresca has had to deal with a fair few injuries after a busy summer across the pond.
Levi Colwill is injured and out for the season, Cole Palmer has missed the majority of Chelsea’s games this season, and new signing Liam Delap is just back from an extended absence. There are more as well.
But James has — knock on wood — stayed fit. And the Italian thinks he knows why.
Sitting down with Sky Sports’ Joe Thomilson to discuss all things Chelsea, Maresca was asked about his captain’s start to the season, and how he has managed to avoid time on the sideline.
He says: “Yeah. I personally think it’s also a little bit the way we use him because playing as a midfielder, he goes inside, it’s always a short distance in terms of runs.
“When you play full-back up and down, it’s a huge distance. You have to cover more pitch and you can get injured more easily.”
Maresca has deployed James in the midfield on a few occasions this season, alternating with Malo Gusto while Chelsea deal with injuries.
But if it’s going to keep him healthy, maybe a permanent move into the middle of the park is the way forward. James is one of the Premier League’s most complete players, certainly capable of filling that role.
Enzo Maresca giving instructions to Chelsea defenders Reece James and Malo Gusto
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Maresca shoots back at Chelsea youth criticism
One of the main criticisms of BlueCo’s reign at Stamford Bridge has been their fixation with signing young players.
It’s a fair criticism in certain contexts. Chelsea should need to rely on 19-year-old Josh Acheampong at the back against Liverpool, nor 19-year-old Tyrique George leading the line in the Premier League.
But those are the extreme scenarios born from injuries, suspensions and all the things that can throw a team off during the season.
Maresca doesn’t worry about it, as he explains: “It’s always matter of balance. The most important thing, no matter the age, the most important thing is that they are good players.
“For sure when they are young you have to allow them to make some mistakes to be better, and the mistake is part of the process, but no doubt that they’re going to be always better and better.”
The Chelsea boss is only in his second season at Stamford Bridge, but his demeanour is that of a seasoned veteran. Let’s see if he, James, and the youngsters can bring more silverware this season after a startling debut campaign.