Liam Duckstein
James Steps Up in Midfield
Chelsea versus Arsenal was a battle of midfield titans, but it was Reece James who stole the show. Normally a right-back, James has been pushed into midfield due to Romeo Lavia‘s injury. He lined up alongside Moises Caicedo, with Enzo Fernandez playing further forward in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea dominated the first half, but their momentum stalled when Caicedo was sent off for a late lunge on Mikel Merino in the 38th minute. Manager Enzo Maresca reshuffled at half-time, bringing on Alejandro Garnacho, with Fernandez dropping deeper alongside James.
Moments after the restart, James crossed for Joao Pedro to head on target. He then delivered again for Trevoh Chalobah, who scored with a header from a corner. Merino levelled with a far-post header 11 minutes later, but James kept Chelsea in the game with his physicality in midfield.
Manager Praises James’ Performance
Maresca praised James, calling him “fantastic” and “very good.” He added that he would have to consider how to use the 25-year-old against Leeds in midweek, managing his workload carefully.
Enzo Maresca. Source: Official Website
“Now, we have a game on Wednesday. We need to manage him, we need to control him, we need to control a little bit his situation. But he was very good tonight,” said Maresca.
Chelsea’s Injury Management Success
Chelsea believes James has finally overcome his persistent hamstring injuries. The key has been a revamp of the club’s medical department, led by performance director Bryce Cavanagh and medical director Craig Roberts, alongside Maresca‘s disciplined approach to team selection.
They have introduced stricter load management and closer monitoring of players to keep them fit for the long term. Last season, Chelsea went from one of the worst injury records in the Premier League to one of the best.
James was restricted to one match a week last season, but this year, he and Wesley Fofana have been injury-free and cleared to play two or three matches a week without reducing their physical output.
James’ Leadership and Personal Growth
James has evolved as Chelsea‘s captain. Following Cesar Azpilicueta‘s departure in 2023, James was handed the armband by Mauricio Pochettino. Early in Maresca‘s reign, the Italian said he “expected more” from James, but since then, Maresca has been impressed with his response.
James is a quiet introvert away from the pitch but leads with thoughtfulness. He pulls players aside for quiet words, arranges team meals during difficult spells, and often leads by example. He has also introduced a half-time ritual where the entire squad gathers in the centre circle before leaving the pitch together.
James looks beyond football for inspiration, building friendships with Siya Kolisi and Lewis Hamilton. His personal growth bodes well for England in a World Cup year. Thomas Tuchel, now England manager, first elevated James to a new level at Stamford Bridge, and the pair achieved Champions League glory in 2021.
Despite not playing for England since 2022, James was recalled by Tuchel in March. It marked a significant moment after the disappointment of missing the 2022 World Cup through injury and Euro 2024 through non-selection. Tuchel described James as at the “highest level” in March, and he is proving to be in both midfield and in his favoured right-back position this season.