Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Chelsea lost the minor battle for bragging rights with Tottenham during their pre-season clash in Sydney, but Xabi Alonso’s decisions will have pleased club captain Reece James.
James is not currently with the first team squad on their pre-season tour after representing England on the way to their World Cup semi-final exit.
With Alonso at the helm, there have been some questions over where the 26-year-old will feature, given the fact that he isn’t a natural fit for any positions in a three-at-the-back formation.
Player ratings vs Tottenham
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Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea formation is great news for Reece James
However, in their first clash against Premier League opponents, Alonso elected to name a traditional 4-2-3-1 that he had used for their win over Western Sydney Wanderers last week.
Marco Palestra started at right-back, and despite his attacking abilities, he operated in a traditional full-back role where defending was the more important aspect of his game.
Chelsea v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
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Palestra was one of our big winners from the game, but another victor without even getting involved was James, as a path to a starting spot became clear for him.
The next battle for James will be prolonging his fitness to be able to feature throughout the campaign, and Chelsea’s poor performances last season may actually help him in that regard too.
No European football is on the cards for them this season, limiting the amount of games the club will play in Alonso’s first campaign in charge.
With Palestra and even Malo Gusto in the ranks, there are plenty of options to allow for rotation in the right-back role too.
At 26 now, James will feel he has a point to prove this season to allow his career to hit the heights his talents deserve to take him too, and Alonso looks as if he is building his side to help facilitate this too.