Not just on the pitch: How Reece James can now inspire Chelsea to an unlikely title challenge

Chelsea captain Reece James is back in training, and news of his return to Cobham has brought smiles to fans’ faces. Coach Enzo Maresca appeared especially pleased, with photos shared by the club showing him beaming during the session.

The club has made a promising start to the season, especially compared to recent struggles, and the return of Reece James is expected to strengthen their performances.

His presence alone in the dressing room is a morale booster. The English fullback is the only player in the squad who has experienced winning major trophies with Chelsea, having lifted the UEFA Champions League in the 2020/21 season.

The team has been desperately in need of on-field leadership. At times, certain players—especially the attackers—have seemed to prioritise personal achievements over team goals, which has led to missed opportunities. With Reece James back, his influence on and off the pitch can encourage these players to play more selflessly and work better as a unit.

Beyond the morale boost, James brings immense quality to the pitch. A fully fit Reece James ranks among the best fullbacks in the world, easily slotting into many top teams. While Malo Gusto has impressed in his absence, the captain offers more, both defensively and offensively. In his last relatively injury-free season, 2021/22, James registered 5 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League—a remarkable contribution for a player who balances defensive duties with attacking flair.

Additionally, James is a strong option as an inverted fullback, capable of stepping into midfield to bolster numbers, similar to Kyle Walker’s role under Pep Guardiola, should Maresca choose to utilize him in this way.

Starting James at right-back would provide solid cover across the defence, with Malo Gusto available to cover both fullback positions. This means Enzo Maresca would no longer have to shift his best-performing central defender, Levi Colwill, to fill in at left-back when Marc Cucurella is unavailable.

Another key asset James brings is his versatility. He can also play as a central defender, providing depth in an area where Chelsea has been lacking. His return allows the manager more flexibility, including the option to switch to a three-back system now that he has additional defensive options.

Reece James’s return feels like a new signing, provided he can avoid further setbacks. At least now, Chelsea can point to a genuine world-class player in their starting XI. No disrespect to the talented Cole Palmer—who has shown immense potential—but he still needs another standout season to reach that elite level.