Enzo Maresca has stated that he told the Chelsea captain he regarded Reece James as a No. 6 from the first time he took over, and that putting him in midfield was always part of his strategy.
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Chelsea defeated Copenhagen 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 match on Thursday night thanks to a spectacular long-range strike from James.
Normally used as a right-back, the Blues skipper spent the whole game playing defensive midfield, a move Maresca maintains was a part of the England international’s long-term plan.
Speaking following the victory, Maresca disclosed that since assuming leadership at Stamford Bridge last summer, he had always viewed James as a midfield player and had intended to use him after one, reports Mail Online.
“So, you can ask Reece,” Maresca said. “I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder when I signed with Chelsea, probably the day after.”
Reece James has always been a midfield player in my opinion. I emailed him a video of him playing midfield while he was on vacation before we first met.
James, who is mostly renowned for his attacking ability and defensive sturdiness, has typically been used as a full-back or wing-back.
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