Chelsea got their Round of 16 Conference League tie off to a great start when they beat Copenhagen 2-1 in the first leg in Denmark.
Enzo Maresca named a strong starting lineup to look to get the job done. Both Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo made their first starts in the competition.
The star of the show was Reece James though. The Chelsea captain opened the scoring a minute after half-time, and performed very well in his new position of central midfielder.
James did well in our player ratings for the game, and Enzo Fernandez, who joined him in the middle of the park off the bench, scored what proved to be the winning goal after good work from Tyrique George.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca says he sees Reece James as a midfielder
Chelsea have desperately missed the England international when he has been absent. Injuries have unfortunately played a big part in his campaign yet again.
However, he has been fit for a prolonged period of time now, and this has seen the manager feel confident in his ability to feature in a position he has wanted to play him in since he joined the club.
Maresca stated after the game that he had seen James as a midfielder since the day he became Chelsea manager, telling him this the day after he was announced as the new boss.
He told Football London: “You can ask Reece, when I signed for Chelsea, the day after I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder. I see Reece as a midfielder.
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“Since day one. I sent him a clip when he was on holiday about how he can be a midfielder. He has played in full-back, central defender, so the main target for us is to keep him fit.”
Photo credit should read Michael Barrett Boesen / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Photo credit should read Michael Barrett Boesen / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Reece James stepping up as Chelsea leader
Earlier this season, James was questioned for his ability to be the captain of the club, given that he is only 25 years of age.
John Obi Mikel called for more from James in that department, however there has been some pushback recently that it is the case.
Maresca recently praised James’ leadership, and the skipper stepped up by organising a team bonding meal in the wake of their bad run of form in the Premier League.
A healthy James is a seriously good asset for Chelsea, and he will be crucial in their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.