Chelsea captain James backed for midfield greatness
Xabi Alonso believes Reece James can develop into one of the world’s best midfielders, with the Chelsea captain expected to have a more prominent role in the centre of the pitch this season.
James is naturally a right-back, but he has been used in midfield at times over the past few campaigns. Early indications suggest Alonso could use a 3-4-3 system regularly, with James operating as one of two central midfielders.
Alonso makes his James admission
Alonso said James is comfortable and confident in midfield and backed him to reach the highest level in the position. The Chelsea head coach also indicated that James is likely to receive substantial minutes there as a first midfielder.
According to football.london, Alonso highlighted James’s intelligence, awareness and ability to connect with teammates in central areas. He also pointed to the captain’s physical condition after his Premier League involvement, describing him as prepared for the demands of the role.
The 3-4-3 plan
A move into midfield would give James a different responsibility from his usual right-back role. In a 3-4-3, he could be asked to play as one of the central pair, staying close to the action and helping Chelsea link play through the middle.
Alonso presented the role as a response to the team’s needs as well as James’s qualities. He recalled James playing well in midfield in the Club World Cup final in New York alongside Moisés Caicedo, as well as at Anfield last season, and said the position is not new territory for the 26-year-old.
Why Alonso rates him there
Alonso’s assessment focused on more than James’s ability on the ball. He said a midfielder must make many small, correct decisions while remaining connected to the game, and he believes James has the awareness to know where he should be and the capacity to support those around him.
The Chelsea head coach also stressed James’s leadership. Alonso said the captain’s influence can be felt more closely from midfield, where he can be near the action and communicate with teammates. He added that James has the respect of the squad and that teammates listen when he speaks.
James’s physicality and leadership could be useful when Chelsea travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Sunday. Caicedo could partner him in midfield, although the Ecuadorian faces a late fitness test after limping off against Brighton and missing the two previous matches. Alonso said the final decision on the squad would be made on Saturday.
