In the past few weeks, Chelsea have gone from unlikely title contenders to finding themselves in serious risk of missing out on the top four altogether. Enzo Maresca’s men enjoyed a stellar start to the season, taking many by surprise, however their form has significantly dipped in recent weeks, seeing the Blues go five without a win in the Premier League. Could Reece James be the man to reignite their season?
The squad has also faced its worst injury crisis of the season so far, with defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile facing a long time on the sidelines, Mykhailo Mudryk indefinitely suspended and the likes of Roméo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Levi Colwill all struggling for consistent fitness.
Maresca’s men saw themselves quite stretched in the recent controversial 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, however one familiar face made a very impactful return – one that might help to revive Chelsea’s recent fortunes. Club captain Reece James made yet another return from injury, making an incredible impact by scoring a last-minute equaliser via a scintillating freekick. The goal rescued Chelsea from a potentially embarrassing defeat, and Maresca will be hoping the Blues can pick up from here.
The Perfect Fullback
James’ minutes are likely to be carefully managed by Maresca – another injury relapse for the 25-year-old would be hugely frustrating – but with the games coming thick and fast, James will get plenty of opportunities to cement his fitness and become the first name on the team sheet once more.
Maresca is likely to deploy the Englishman in the inverted fullback role that the likes of Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto have been deputising in this this season. With the latter not quite finding the form of his debut season, James has all the skills and technique to thrive in that role – his range of passing, speed and fitness all eclipses that of the Frenchman, and his ability to drift into midfield to support the pivot of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo will be extremely beneficial in the coming games.
James also offers Chelsea a much better avenue from set pieces. As Arsenal have repeatedly demonstrated this season, the importance of set pieces cannot be understated and James offers a consistent and very dangerous delivery – along with rivalling Cole Palmer for free kicks, as he recently demonstrated.
A Captain’s Calling
With Chelsea currently 5th placed in the Premier League, and a tough game away at Man City on the horizon, the Blues need James to help lift them from their current slump and rediscover their early season form. A top four finish and a UEFA Conference League title would still represent an excellent season for the Blues, and with James back, they’ll be relying on his leadership alongside his footballing ability in order to climb the league once more.
