Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has reacted to the performance from Reece James in Thursday’s match against Wrexham.
The Enzo Maresca era at Stamford Bridge is now well underway following a 2-2 draw with Wrexham to begin the pre-season tour of the United States.
There were plenty of interesting tactical decisions from Maresca during his first match in charge. For example, Blues right back Reece James inverted into central midfield whenever his team had possession of the football.
Speaking via Chelsea’s YouTube channel after the Wrexham draw, James discussed playing in a new position.
- READ MORE: Enzo Maresca has just called two Chelsea players ‘very important’ straight after facing Wrexham
Enzo Maresca liked the Reece James display
Blues captain James, 24, did receive a big thumbs up from his new boss after the opening game of this summer’s pre-season schedule.
When asked how James performed against Wrexham, Maresca told Chelsea’s YouTube channel: “I think he was very good.
“Him and also Malo second-half, both they tried. It was not an easy game because there were 10/11 players behind the ball, so to find space and solutions is never easy. But very happy thinking we started just two weeks ago.”
Don’t forget Reece James starts next season in the stands
As much as we expect James to feature heavily during the pre-season plans, it’s worth remembering that he’s suspended for the opening three matches at the start of next season. It must be so frustrating for Maresca that he’s got that fact in the back of his mind during preparations.
Malo Gusto was superb last season as the alternative to James at right-back. Based on the first pre-season match, he’ll be his deputy as the inverted full-back, too.
Gusto was Chelsea’s fittest player in a pre-season drill, it was recently confirmed on the club’s TikTok. The Blues are very fortunate to have such a great alternative to James in the squad.
It could be a long 2024/25 campaign for Chelsea with all the competitions they’re in, so both James and Gusto should get decent minutes.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
