One of the biggest positives of a tough few months for Chelsea has been the regular sight of their club captain being fit and available.
Reece James has been in the matchday squad since back in January, where he came off the bench to score a crucial late goal against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
With the exception of James being ill for the win over Leicester, the England international has been available for a prolonged period of time now, something that has not been the case much in the last few seasons due to his unfortunate injury record.
James has returned to the England squad as a result of his return to regular action, with him set to work in the coming days under former manager Thomas Tuchel.
As a result of more minutes of late, the 25-year-old has seen his position change in the Chelsea side by current manager Enzo Maresca.
Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Roy Keane said he saw Reece James as a midfielder in 2022
James has been playing in the middle of midfield alongside the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, with the boss seemingly having that idea cooked up for a while.
Maresca admitted he sees James as a midfielder despite the excellent abilities he has shown in the past in the right-back position.
He starred in a wing-back role under Tuchel, with one of many impressive performances coming at Old Trafford against Manchester United back in 2022.
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Despite the Blues only coming away with a 1-1 draw, pundits Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp were in awe of his performance.
Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
The former United midfielder actually stated to Sky Sports then that he saw a potential for James to make an impact in midfield in his career.
He said: “What a player this kid is. He looks like a boxer there when he’s getting interviewed, powerful boy, fit lad. What a game tonight he had, his distribution, his movement, his strength, he seems a nice kid.
“He’s one of these lads, he’s a clever lad, he can play in any position, he could probably play in the middle of the park, next year he might be in the back three or whatever. Chelsea are a lucky club to have him, he is outstanding.”
Redknapp added: “One of many to come through the system there. I know his dad, his dad’s a coach himself, he knows the game inside out, his sister plays at a high level, just an incredible family. Like Roy says, he’s just so talented. Great crosser of the ball.”
Reece James’ thoughts on playing in midfield
Maresca first toyed with the idea of using James as a central player during pre-season, when he was instructed with playing the inverted full-back role.
Now though, it is an out-and-out midfield position, and James said he is familiar with the role following his time on loan at Wigan.
With Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, and even Wesley Fofana options to play right-back, the manager has been afforded the chance to try him out in midfield.
However, Romeo Lavia made his return against Arsenal, and could push the Englishman back out to his more familiar role in the near future.