Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is set to regularly utilise Reece James in central midfield. According to the Spaniard, the team's captain feels comfortable in this position and can expect to feature prominently there.
Following the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125 million and the collapse of the transfer for Lamina Kamara from Monaco, Chelsea's options in midfield have been limited. One of the alternatives for Alonso remains James, whose primary role has been as a right-back.
The manager explained:
I would say that Reece feels very comfortable and confident in this position. He has enough football intelligence. He knows how to link up with teammates in the middle and understands what needs to be done before and after receiving the ball.
I remember how well he played in midfield. So yes, we are using him there. He will get a lot of minutes as a central midfielder.
Alonso emphasised that this role is not new for the 26-year-old:
I knew he was capable of playing there. I remember the final of the last Club World Cup in New York, where he operated in the middle with Moises [Caicedo]. He also played there at Anfield last season. I'm not revealing anything new.
The manager also believes that moving James closer to the centre allows for a better use of his leadership qualities:
In the match against Fulham, his influence on the team was evident — emotionally, captaincy-wise, and leadership-wise. In the centre, he is closer to everything that is happening and can play a very important role.
Alonso dismissed concerns about the physical demands of the new position:
He is physically fit and ready. He plays in the Premier League, so I don't see that as an issue.
A midfielder constantly has to make numerous small decisions because he's always at the heart of the game. Reece understands where he needs to be and can help those around him. He has authority: when he says something, his teammates listen and follow him.
