Enzo Maresca has revealed that playing Reece James in the center of the field was part of his plan from the beginning, insisting that he told Captain of Chelsea that he saw him as a number 6 from the moment he took over.
James delivered an impressive long-range goal when Chelsea won a 2-1 victory over Copenhagen in the first leg of his UEFA Conference League the last 16 on Thursday night.
The captain of the blues, typically deployed as a right side, played as a defensive midfielder for the entire game; A decisions manager, Maresca, insists in part of a long -term vision for the International of England.
Maresca, speaking after the victory, revealed that he had always seen James as a midfielder and planned to display him after one since he took over Stamford Bridge last summer.
'Then, you can ask Reece; When I signed with Chelsea, probably the next day, I sent him a video about watching him as a midfielder, '' said Maresca.
'I see Reece as midfielder, not now, since the first day. Before meeting him for the first time, he was on vacation and sent him a clip of him playing in the center of the field.
Enzo Maresca (in the photo above) has revealed that playing Reece James in the center of the field was part of his plan from the beginning
James delivered an impressive long-range goal when Chelsea won a 2-1 victory over Copenhagen in the first leg of his UEFA Conference League the last 16 on Thursday night
Maresca emphasized that the main objective continues to maintain James, and the injuries have hindered their progress in recent seasons
James, 25, has been a key figure in Chelsea since he entered the first team in 2019 after a successful loan spell in Wigan Athletic.
Mainly known for its defensive solidity and attacker, James has generally been deployed as a complete support or wing.
However, his performance against Copenhagen showed his ability to influence the game from the center of the field, limiting him with a goal that assured his team a victory in the first leg of his link of the League of the UEFA Conference Last 16.
Maresca emphasized that the main objective continues to keep James in shape, and the injuries have hindered their progress in recent seasons.
The Chelsea captain has endured multiple setbacks, missing large portions of recent campaigns due to hamstring problems and knees.
“The main objective for us is to help him be fit throughout the season,” Maresca added.
James has made more than 118 appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea, winning the Champions League in 2021 and settling as one of the most important players in the club.
Despite the persistent struggles for injuries, his ability has never been in doubt, and Maresca's vision of displaying it in the midfield could change the game of both the club and for the country.
However, the 25 -year -old seems to have overcome his physical problems, which often left him aside in the first half of the season
Joe Cole has revealed that he wants to see James included in the England team
Chelsea will now focus his attention on the shock of Sunday's Premier League against Leicester City before receiving Copenhagen in the second decisive section next week at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Joe Cole's tastes have asked James to return to England's team after his strong performance against Copenhagen on Thursday.
“It will have the respect of each player in Chelsea due to what he can do technically and physically,” Cole said during the analysis after the game in TNT Sports. 'When he was at his best, he was as good as anyone in the world, no doubt about that.
'It's about finding its inner peace and driving it in games. He can play in the center of the countryside, he did when he was borrowed in Wigan and got the player of the year there when he was a child. He looks comfortable there.
'He has a lot to offer Chelsea and much to offer England. It's great to see him impacting the game as he did tonight. Do not give up Reece James because there is still a real and real world -class player who can be a massive player for Chelsea and England. I hope you can move on now.
James's last appearance for the national team arrives in March 2023 against Italy, since the 25 -year -old has been fighting with injuries since then.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel weighs his Squadron selection of England before the friendly games with Albania and Latvia on March 21 and 24, respectively.