Xabi Alonso has been speaking about the potential of Reece James and how the Chelsea captain can become one of the world's best in the centre of midfield
Reece James
Reece James is set for a leading role in Chelsea's midfield under Xabi Alonso(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media)
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Xabi Alonso has tipped Reece James to become one of the world's best midfielders with the Chelsea captain set for a more prominent role in the engine room this season.
At times over the last few campaigns, the 26-year-old has been chucked into the middle of the park but he is a natural right-back.
The early indications are, however, that Alonso will use a 3-4-3 formation a lot this season, with James being deployed as one of the two central midfielders.
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Stamford Bridge sources expect James to play a leading role in midfield during Alonso's debut season in west London.
James' physicality and leadership may come in handy on Sunday afternoon when Chelsea travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Premier League champions Arsenal.
Asked if his captain can become one of the best midfielders on the planet, Alonso said: "I would say so. I would say he's very comfortable, very confident playing in that position.
"He has the intelligence to play there. He has the intelligence to connect with teammates around in the middle to know what's the best thing before and after you get the ball. And he has this awareness.
"I remember seeing him play very well in the middle. So yes, we are using him. He will have a lot of minutes in there as a first midfielder."
"I knew he could play there," the Spaniard continued. "I remember the last Club World Cup final in New York. He played with Moi in the middle.
"At Anfield, I think he played there last year. It's not new for him. It's not that I'm discovering something.
Reece James
Reece James is expected to play a leading role in midfield for Chelsea this season(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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"I think it has the needs of the team and his role in the team as well. Because I remember the game against Fulham [last month]. His impact in terms of emotionally, in terms of captain, leadership in the middle, he's closer to everything and he can play an important role."
Alonso, a former world-class midfielder himself, believes James has all the tools to become an elite player in the middle.
"For me, physically he is fresh and he is prepared," Alonso said on James and his physicality. "He has been competing in the Premier League so that for me is not an issue.
"As a midfielder you need to take a lot of little decisions, many right decisions because you are always very connected to the game.
"You are very close to the action and if you are walking it is not possible. So Reece is really involved in the game.
"He is already knowing where he has to be. He has the capacity to help the teammates around him so that is very important for me as well because he has this presence.
"He has the respect from the teammates that when he tells something they listen and they follow him."
James could be partnered in the middle of the pitch at the Emirates by Moises Caicedo, but the Ecuadorian will face a late fitness test.
Caicedo limped off with an unspecified injury towards the end of Chelsea's thrilling 4-3 win over Brighton last weekend, having missed the two matches before with a problem as well.
Alonso did not rule Caicedo out of featuring on Sunday but left a doubt over his fitness. He said: "We will check tomorrow [Saturday]. Tomorrow is the last decision for the squad on Sunday."
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