Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA
Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA
William Gallas was pitchside at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon as two of his former sides did battle, and he had a word of advice for Xabi Alonso – regarding Reece James.
Morgan Rogers scored early on for Chelsea, but the England star’s volley was cancelled out by Kai Havertz and then Martin Odegaard. Ultimately, Arsenal’s two goals proved to be enough as the Gunners won 2-1.
Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
But there were plenty of positives to take from the game for Chelsea, who stuck with Arsenal and gave the Gunners a real test. Indeed, home advantage got Arsenal over the line, with both sides largely equal.
An unfortunate defeat for Chelsea, but one Xabi Alonso will feel is proof that Chelsea are moving in the right direction under his stewardship. William Gallas, though, thinks Alonso is already making a mistake.
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William Gallas has Reece James advice for Xabi Alonso
On Sunday, James started in midfield alongside Romeo Lavia. He was one of two changes made by the gaffer following the win over Brighton, with Josh Acheampong also coming into the side for Levi Colwill.
Chelsea FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Obviously, Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez in the summer, while Jordan Henderson and Moises Caicedo missed the defeat to Arsenal on Sunday through injury. Alonso was left with little options in midfield.
Speaking to Stadium Astro, Gallas has urged Alonso to stop using James in midfield: “To be honest, I’m not a big fan [of James playing in midfield]. Not a big fan of players changing their positions.
“He is a right-back, he’s not a midfielder. For me, the manager has to leave him as a right-back. Sometimes a manager likes to do a few different things. But Reece James is a right-back,” Gallas added.
What Xabi Alonso has said about Reece James as a midfielder
Before the match, Alonso spoke about how he believes he can turn James into one of the best midfielders in the world. First things first, he needs to keep James injury-free if he is to do anything with James.
Cole Palmer and Reece James of Chelsea
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Alonso said: “I would say so [on becoming one of the best midfielders in the world. He’s very comfortable and confident playing in that position. He has the intelligence to play there because, in the middle.
“You need to be able to connect with your teammates and know what the best thing to do is before you get the ball. So, we are using him, and he will have a lot of minutes as a midfielder,” Alonso said.
Fingers crossed, James can remain injury-free. The chances are he is rested against Leeds on Wednesday night, before the Blues take on Hull City on the weekend at Stamford Bridge, who have started well.