Enzo Maresca revealed that playing Reece James in the middle -heavenly was part of his plan from the beginning, insisting that he told Chelsea captain he saw him as a 6 number from the moment he took command.
James gave a long goal impressive, as Chelsea secured a 2-1 win over Copenhagen in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League draw last 16 on Thursday night.
The Blues captain, usually implemented as a right-back, played as a defensive midfielder for the entire decision-making manager Marresca insisting that he was part of a long-term vision for the England International.
Maresca, speaking after the victory, revealed that he always saw James as a half -cabin and planned to implement him after one since taking command at Stamford Bridge last summer.
‘So you may ask Reece; When I signed with Chelsea, probably the next day, I sent him a video about watching him as a half -term, ‘said Maresca.
‘I see Reece as a medium, not now – from the first day. Before I first met him, he was on vacation and I sent him a clip of him playing in the middle -FEED.
Enzo Maresca revealed that playing Reece James in midfield was part of a long term plan
James gave a long goal impressive, while Chelsea secured the victory over Copenhagen
Maresca emphasized that the main objective remains keeping James in shape, with injuries having hindered her progress in recent seasons
James, 25, has been a -chave figure in Chelsea since he entered the first team in 2019, after a successful loan period in Wigan Athletic.
Known mainly for his defensive solidity and attack capacity, James was usually implanted as side or side.
However, his performance against Copenhagen showed his ability to influence midfield game, ending him with a goal that assured his team a first-hand win at UEFA Conference League in the last 16 years.
Maresca emphasized that the main objective continues to keep James in shape, with injuries having hindered her progress in recent seasons.
The Chelsea captain suffered several setbacks, missing large portions of recent campaigns due to tendon and knee problems.
“The main target for us is to help you be suitable throughout the season,” added Maresca.
James made more than 118 appearances at the Chelsea Premier League, winning the Champions League in 2021 and settling as one of the club’s most important players.
Despite persistent injury struggles, your ability has never been in doubt, and Maresca’s view of deploying it in midfield can be a change of game for the club and the country.
The 25 -year -old seems to have overcome his physical problems, who pushed him away in the first half of the season
Joe Cole revealed that he wants to see James included in the England team
Chelsea will now turn their attention to Sunday Premier League confrontation against Leicester City before hosting Copenhagen in the decisive second hand next week on Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, players like Joe Cole asked James to return to the team of England after their strong performance against Copenhagen on Thursday.
“He will have the respect of all Chelsea players because of what he can do technically and physically,” Cole said during the postpartum analysis of TNT Sports. When he was at his best, he was as good as anyone in the world, no doubt about it.
“It’s just him to find his inner peace and manage it in games. He can play in the middle -he did it when he was loaned on Wigan and got the player of the year there as a child. He looks comfortable there.
‘He has a lot to offer to Chelsea and much to offer to England. It’s so good to see him impacting the game as he did tonight. Don’t give up Reece James, because there is still a real world -class player who can be a huge player for Chelsea and England. I hope he can continue now.
James’s last appearance for the national team takes place in March 2023 against Italy, as the 25 -year -old has been fighting injuries ever since.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel is evaluating his squad selection of England before the friendly games with Albania and Latvia on March 21 and 24, respectively.
