Xabi Alonso believes Reece James can become one of the best midfielders in the world as Chelsea prepare to lean more heavily on their captain following Enzo Fernandez’s £125million departure.
James is naturally associated with right-back, but Alonso has made it clear he views the 26-year-old as a serious central-midfield option.
That role has taken on even greater importance after Chelsea sold Fernandez to Manchester City without landing a direct replacement.
Xabi Alonso says Reece James can be one of the best midfielders in the world – here's why #cfc https://t.co/sGDxMGSskF
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) September 5, 2026
Alonso backs James to become elite midfielder
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal, Alonso was asked whether James could become one of the world’s leading midfielders.
His answer was emphatic.
The Standard reports that Alonso said “I would say so”, highlighting James’ intelligence, confidence and ability to connect with teammates centrally.
The Chelsea head coach also said James will receive “a lot of minutes” as a midfielder this season.
That is significant.
James has spent most of his senior career on the right side of defence, but his ability in central areas is hardly new.
Chelsea have already highlighted how comfortable their captain looked in midfield during Alonso’s pre-season preparations, with the manager praising his composure, game intelligence and versatility.
Enzo exit changes James’ role
Chelsea’s deadline-day business has made Alonso’s plan more important.
Fernandez left for Manchester City in a club-record £125m deal before Chelsea failed to complete the signing of Lamine Camara.
That has left Alonso with a thinner group of recognised midfielders than originally intended.
ReadChelsea has already explained how Chelsea’s 20-man senior Premier League squad leaves James among the players capable of solving that problem internally.
Moises Caicedo is also still a doubt for Arsenal, with Alonso delaying the final fitness decision until Saturday.
If Caicedo cannot start at the Emirates, James could immediately find himself carrying even more responsibility in central midfield.
James could be key against Arsenal
Sunday represents the first major test of Chelsea’s post-Enzo midfield.
Arsenal have started the season with successive wins and clean sheets, while Chelsea travel to the Emirates having scored seven league goals but conceded five.
James’ physicality and experience could therefore become particularly useful.
Chelsea have already been preparing specifically for Arsenal’s physical threat, with Alonso using unusual rugby-style tackle shields in training.
Now the manager has made clear that James’ role in the middle is not simply an emergency measure.
Alonso believes Chelsea’s captain can become elite there.
After Fernandez’s departure, Chelsea may need that prediction to become reality sooner rather than later.
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