Reece James turned in an industrious performance against Arsenal.placeholder image
Reece James turned in an industrious performance against Arsenal. | Getty Images
Enzo Maresca saw his Chelsea captain turn in an industrious performing in the centre of the park against league leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea had to dig deep against Arsenal under the lights at Stamford Bridge on Sunday night with Enzo Maresca’s side playing more than half the match with 10 men following a red card to Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuador international has earned many plaudits for his performances in front of the back four this season but it was a day to forget for the £115 million, whose nasty challenge on Mikel Merino saw him sent for an early shower.
Thankfully for Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager saw an unconventional midfielder step up to the plate with a performance big enough to cover Caicedo’s absence. Reece James was pushed forward into a midfield role and was the standout man on the pitch.
Chelsea star labelled ‘absolute beast’ against Arsenal
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, former Blues striker Daniel Sturridge said: “We’re talking about a player who has been in the first team environment for many years. He’s struggled with injuries throughout his career but there’s no doubt he’s an absolutely unbelievable football player.
“The versatility he brings to this team, the set pieces, he’s got all the tools to play in midfield and at right-back. He was an absolute beast today. Gave them so much running power in midfield, it was a very experienced and professional performance from him. He played very, very well.”
LondonWorld was equally impressed by James, giving him a 9/10 rating for his performance - the highest of Chelsea players. We wrote: “Phenomenal. This was Reece James at his very best. Moving into a defensive midfield position, the captain was here, there and everywhere. A calming presence and constantly vocal to organise his side. Without him, fraying Blues tempers may have been out of control.”
Reece James proves he is captaincy material
Former Arsenal and England star Theo Walcott was also on punditry and admitted that James’ versatility will be a boost for England manager Thomas Tuchel come the World Cup next year. The Chelsea man is expected to be included in the squad, having missed the previous World Cup due to a knee injury.
Walcott said: “He’s very unique. It’s another option that Thomas Tuchel can have in certain games. What I am really pleased to see in his development is his growth and leadership skills. There have been questions in the past over his leadership skills - is he a leader? Is he a captain? He clearly is on today’s performance, playing against Declan Rice and with Moises Caicedo next to him, and he’s Player of the Match.
“For me, looking at the Arsenal sense, they will be disappointed they didn’t test him enough. But he was absolutely outstanding today from start to finish.”
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