A big talking point around Chelsea’s Reece James right now is which position he plays on the football pitch.
Most importantly, Reece James is actually enjoying regular football in 2025, so hopefully it’s a sign that he’s finally over the worst of his frequently injury problems.
The Chelsea star, who’s a product of the Blues academy, has proven over the years he can shine in the first team when he’s fit and available. In fact, he’s been the Chelsea captain since taking the armband in 2023.
Appearances Goals Assists Trophies
172 13 23 3
Reece James’ senior record at Chelsea
An interesting debate around the 25-year-old star currently exists because he can play numerous positions.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca admits he prefers James in midfield, which is why he used him in the centre of the park in a few appearances before March’s international break.
Even though James has the versatility to play in midfield, he’s spent the bulk of his senior career as one of the world’s very best right-backs. Also, the Blues star was fantastic at full-back earlier this week when he scored and starred in England’s 3-0 win over Latvia in a World Cup qualifier.
Photo by Igor Russak/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Photo by Igor Russak/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Owen Hargreaves once compared Reece James to Michael Essien after midfield performance
James has proven in the past he can play in central midfield, especially during a season-long loan spell at Wigan Athletic as a youngster in the 2018/19 season.
Back in December 2021, James impressed as a defensive midfielder when Chelsea recorded a 3-3 draw away to Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League group stages.
Minutes played Touches Accurate passes Total shots Successful dribbles Tackles won Interceptions Dribbled past Match rating
90 94 76/81 (94%) 1 2/2 (100%) 3/3 (100%) 2 0 8.0
Reece James performance in Zenit vs Chelsea via FOTMOB (8 December, 2021)
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At the time, pundit and former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves raved about James’ all-action display in midfield. In fact, he made the major comparison between him and Chelsea legend Michael Essien.
When discussing Chelsea’s James, Hargreaves told TNT Sports: “Do you know who he reminds me of a little bit when he plays in there? Essien. Powerful.”
“He can cover ground; he can play on his own; he can get up against people 1v1. He’s such a great player… When [N’Golo] Kante doesn’t play they probably have a bit of an issue, but Reece can play in there without question.”
Essien, who played at Chelsea between 2005 and 2014, was the definition of a powerhouse central midfielder. The retired Ghanian star used to dominate in the centre of the park alongside teammates such as Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack.
Essien’s transfer to Chelsea was tough to complete during the negotiations, but history has proven what a significant transfer he was for them.
Appearnaces Goals Assists Trophies
256 25 20 8
Michael Essien’s career at Chelsea
While current Chelsea captain James does have super strength on a football pitch, even he may have lost out in a 50/50 contest against a prime version of Essien.
Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Should Reece James continue in midfield?
Like Hargreaves mentions, James can suit playing in the centre of the park because he’s extremely physical and he’s a technically sound footballer.
However, the difference when you fast-forward to the present day is James is carrying a catalogue of injuries behind him. It’s why Maresca has got to be careful with how he manages him.
James insists he’ll improve in midfield if he continues in that position. While there are certain games he can shine in the centre of the pitch, we think we’d prefer him to switch back to his more natural right-back slot.
On paper, Chelsea are going to look a much stronger XI with James at right-back. That then leaves the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia battling it out to start in midfield behind Cole Palmer as a No 10.