Once again, Reece James has been left on the bench, while Moises Caicedo will be used at right-back during Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool. Both sides are set to take on each other at Stamford Bridge today (May 4). However, Enzo Maresca has not won hearts with his decision to keep Caicedo in right-back.
In recent months, it has caused all kinds of divisions among the fans, who want to know why their coach chooses to place the players out of position. Putting Caicedo in that position is purely tactical for Maresca, who is trying to maintain a more fluid, unpredictable approach to the game.
Although this approach has worked on occasion, it has become an experiment gone on for too long. Meanwhile, James has had such long injury troubles that, in two seasons, he has only played a few times. Although generally fit, Maresca has been careful not to let him play too often, so as to avoid overloading him.
However, when James does play, it usually ends up being in midfield, rather than at right-back. It has left some fans puzzled over the reason for this. Fans took to social media to share their thoughts about their captain being left on the bench and Caicedo taking up a full-back role once more. They posted comments like these:
Is Reece James’s time at Chelsea coming to an end?
— takes (@CFCnNY) May 4, 2025
Maresca denying Caicedo his midfield crown is one of tge biggest crimes he has committed at Chelsea
— peter (@_Muhuhu) May 4, 2025
Trying to figure out the Caicedo at RB when we have 3 healthy players but hey idk
— m_11_ptfc (@_mb11__) May 4, 2025
So this guy has successfully relegated the mighty Reece James to a squad player after playing him in the wrong number?
— /AMIcus (@jayke_o) May 4, 2025
No. Right back is Justo or James don't play players at wrong positions
— Muhammad Faraz (@alternatefaraz) May 4, 2025
Could’ve started Gusto or James , Moses is awesome there too but not his natural position
— rehillcfc (@raminderrehill) May 4, 2025
Chelsea Hope to Take Goalscoring Form into Liverpool Clash
In spite of various ups and downs, Chelsea are still in contention for a European trophy this season. In the recent 4-1 win against Djurgarden, Nicolas Jackson scored a double to add to his tally for the season.
The time is just perfect for his return, as the forward only just ended his goal drought, which lasted four months. This newfound form has raised his total goals in all competitions to 12. On the contrary, Cole Palmer, who has netted 14 goals this season, is still on the hunt for a goal since January. However, Maresca has attributed his goal drought to mental rather than tactical problems.
