Chelsea captain Reece James has been speaking on playing in a new position in midfield for Chelsea this season under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
We saw it on Thursday morning when Chelsea drew 2-2 with Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly of the new campaign.
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James played as an inverted full back which basically means in possession, he was playing as a defensive midfielder. Since Chelsea had 75% of possession in that game, James spent the majority of it in midfield. This is a position he is expected to continue playing in under Maresca, who likes to largely invert a right back.
James has been honest and has admitted that he and other players are working hard at the moment to understand this role and that he is learning it, yet it is not completely new for him either.
James played in midfield at Wigan
James says he played in midfield at youth level and also when on loan with Wigan, in his latest words to ESPN this week.
James said: “I played midfield before when I was younger and then when I was on loan I played midfield as well. So it’s quite similar to that. It’s quite clear. Usually one of the defenders come inside into the middle and we play from there pretty much.
“The role this season will be a lot different for many players so trying to understand the role as early as possible will help the team the most.”
