Cole Palmer and Roy Keane are both in agreement of Reece James' quality after the Chelsea star scored a delightful goal on his return to England's starting XI. Former Blues manager Thomas Tuchel selected James in his first Three Lions squad with the duo having already built up a strong relationship.
The last few years have been challenging for James with injury problems plaguing him under the stewardship of three managers. Enzo Maresca has been fortunate to have him far more available since he took charge, but some issues have remained.
With that being said, James actually has not suffered any new muscular worries since January and that could be down to the new position Maresca has for him. Over the last few weeks, the Chelsea captain has been deployed in midfield with Maresca wanting him in that position since his arrival.
"You can ask Reece, the day after I signed with Chelsea, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder," Maresca admitted after James' long-range goal in the Conference League first leg win over Copenhagen.
"I see Reece as a midfielder, not just now but since day one. Before I met him for the first time, when he was on holiday, I sent him a clip of how he could play as a midfielder.
"So I imagined him playing as a midfielder a long time ago. He is playing [there] now, but the good thing is this season he has played as a full-back, a central defender, many positions, but the main target for us is to help him stay fit all season."
Club legend John Terry and Tuchel did not see it that way however, with the latter proving as such by starting him at right-back for England's World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
With the Three Lions in search of some magic to open the scoring, James struck a delightful free-kick to give his country the lead after 38 minutes at Wembley.
Analysing the goal, former Manchester United midfielder Keane was full of praise. "He's got that in his locker. An absolutely quality player," he admitted on ITV. "The technique, pace of it. A brilliant, brilliant goal."
It is no surprise that some of James' teammates also know he possesses that quality with Palmer speaking highly of him after his impactful return off the bench in a 3-2 over Nottingham Forest last season.
"Everyone knows how good he is," Palmer told Sky Sports.
"He's our captain and even when he's not been playing, he's leading off the pitch so to have him back on it is even better. So, we're really happy he is back." Despite James being in action and his history of injuries, it could actually be Palmer set for a spell out.
He missed the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal earlier this month because of a hamstring problem and he has since been sent for a scan. However, there appears to be no obvious damage and there is hope he will therefore be able to return against Spurs.
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mate Jadon Sancho during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Stamford Bridge on September 28, 2024
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