Reece James of Chelsea
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James has not played a game for Chelsea since September due to injury.
It was starting to look like the defender had overcome his injury issues, only for him to go under the knife and have knee surgery last month. Understandably, some Chelsea fans are starting to give up hope.
Over on TalkingPoints, we recently discussed what Chelsea’s best XI is when everyone is fit. One supporter decided to omit James.
And that’s why Reece is out for me. Not enough games and if he plays at the expense of Josh I don’t think that’s correct for our long term benefit
However, when the 26-year-old is available, a player of his ability is not one you leave on the bench.
Reece James is the most well-rounded full-back in football
Because of circumstances, Xabi Alonso was playing James in midfield before his injury. His best position, though, is obviously at right-back. And when he is fit, you will not find a more complete full-back in football than the Englishman.
Going forward, James is terrific. James is capable of putting a dangerous ball into the box, while he also has a shot on him.
His standout attribute may actually be his passing. James can keep it simple but also has the range to launch a diagonal and find a teammate on the other side of the pitch.
The England international’s ability on the ball is why Alonso and Enzo Maresca have used him in midfield, while he also spent a whole season playing there in the Championship following a year-long loan at Wigan Athletic.
Defensively, it is very hard to beat James one-on-one. James is strong, pretty quick for someone his size and an efficient tackler. When you roll all of that and the above into one, you have the best right-back in the Premier League.
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
Neto gotta be in for a shout surely?
Shuffle Estevao and Neto equally Lacroix besides Colwill at the center Shuffle Acheampong with James and Lacroix Henderson shuffles with Lavia Barco shuffles with Caicedo
I don't think anyone would question the midfield or forwards based on what we have seen so far this season, but if Estevao does not deliver or track back then Neto gets in. Defence is the main issue and Josh has to play IMO. My doubt is Reece because of his ftness
Reece James is Chelsea captain
James being Chelsea captain is also grounds to start him. Of course, the armband can just be handed to someone else, but James has slowly been developing into a leader at Chelsea. Having such a young team, Chelsea need as many of those as possible.
Maresca was not always impressed with James’ leadership skills when he was Blues boss. However, that did eventually change.
When Maresca spoke about James’ ability to lead after one Conference League game in the 2024/25 season, he said: “The best thing about Reece at the moment is he is helping the team with leadership and he is growing a lot since I mentioned we needed him and this is important.”
READ MORE:Reece James’ and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s best seasons compared as Chelsea eye Real Madrid star
Reece James knows Chelsea inside out
As well as leaders, it is also important to have players on the pitch who understand the club, players who understand expectations and how to play and manage derby games.
James has been at Chelsea his whole life, coming through the club’s academy at Cobham. There are certain fixtures where you are going to want to have a Chelsea graduate and experienced Premier League player like James on the field rather than a new signing from Europe or South America who is still learning the English game.
The recent 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur is a perfect example. It was a London derby in the pouring rain against the club’s fiercest rivals.
Mike Penders did not cope with the occasion after punching the ball into his own net from a corner. None of the Chelsea players did. It was their worst performance of the season. With James in the side, someone who understands the scope and intricacies of that fixture, Chelsea may have competed more.
When the Three Lions star returns from injury, Alonso could have a tough decision to make. He could be forced to drop Josh Acheampong or Maxence Lacroix to fit his captain into the backline. Whatever the case, James has to be a starter once he is back up and running again.