Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James’ performance in Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Real Sociedad on Saturday was quite an interesting one.
Xabi Alonso started the 26-year-old in midfield, partnering him with Moises Caicedo.
It is not his natural position, but James has shown in recent years that he is a very capable midfielder.
With that being said, it was not his best outing at Stamford Bridge, but the defender was still able to prove a point.
Enzo Fernandez reaction on Chelsea return
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Reece James showed how much of a complete footballer he is against Real Sociedad
James and Caicedo were perhaps not dominant enough as a midfield pairing against Real Sociedad; however, there were still positives to take from the former’s performance.
Once again, James showed just how well-rounded his game is. For example, it was his cross that resulted in one of Chelsea’s goals, while the right-back also managed to make two key passes, according to Sofascore.
READ MORE:Four winners and two losers from Chelsea’s pre-season victory vs Real Sociedad
James also won both of the tackles he attempted, so the Chelsea captain was able to make a contribution in defence and attack.
Ultimately, James is a footballer who can make an impact in both defence and attack, which supporters saw once again on Saturday.
Reece James of Chelsea speaks to team mate Moises Caicedo
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Where Reece James could play this season
In a back three, you can easily imagine James playing as the right-sided central defender. Defensively, the England international is solid enough to play there, while he also has enough pace to cope against fast forwards and wingers in that right channel.
Of course, on this occasion, Alonso opted to start James in midfield, but it is quite clear that James can play there, in central defence or at right-back or right wing-back.
The Chelsea academy product is going to be such a useful player for a manager as flexible as Alonso.
The key thing is helping James to stay fit, which may be easier this season with Chelsea playing fewer games compared to last term after failing to qualify for Europe.