Arsenal legend Martin Keown has shared his thoughts on whether Chelsea should continue to play Reece James in midfield.
James started in midfield against FC Copenhagen in the Conference League on Thursday, and impressed alongside Moises Caicedo in the first half and Enzo Fernandez in the second.
The 25-year-old looked comfortable throughout and scored the opening goal of the game with a brilliant finish, as he continues to build his fitness after injury.
Keown on James in midfield
James has once again struggled with injury issues this season, but he made his 12th appearance of the season against Copenhagen, one more than he managed in the last campaign.
Chelsea have been careful with James and have managed his minutes according since he returned, with Enzo Maresca playing him in midfield in his last two appearances.
It’s a real positive that James is fit and contributing to Chelsea once again, and Maresca said after the Copenhagen game he’s always seen James as a midfielder.
Reece James fires one in from range.
James impressed in midfield against Copenhagen. (Photo by Patrik Lundin/Getty Images)
James is no stranger to the position having played there when on loan at Wigan very early on in his career, and Keown likes seeing the England international in that position.
“It’s interesting that Reece James has sort of been a reincarnation in a position he had as a kid,” he told TNT Sports.
“He went on loan to Wigan as a young player and played in that role. To see him score there is really good news.
“I think that’s the right way to do it because at full-back we seem to be in an era of hamstring [injuries]… I think it’s more up and down.
More Stories / Latest News
Reece James celebrates his goal for Chelsea against Copenhagen.
Romeo Lavia trains with Enzo Maresca. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Enzo Maresca speaks in a pre-Leicester press conference.
“There’s not the high intensity runs that you’re going to make as a full-back. Actually, he does really well in there, as his goal showed tonight. He can score goals. He’s going to have to reinvent himself.”
It will be interesting to see once Romeo Lavia returns to fitness if James continues to play in midfield, but it’s certainly an interesting option for Maresca to have at his disposal.