Chelsea fans have a lot to say about Reece James after Conference League defeat to Legia Warsaw, ‘only a matter of time’

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Chelsea laboured and limped over the line when it came to qualifying for the Conference League semi-finals against Legia Warsaw.

The Blues’ 100% record in the competition came to an end with the 2-1 defeat still seeing them advance across the two legs.

Enzo Maresca caught Chelsea fans by surprise by naming a particularly strong side despite the three-goal advantage they carried over from the first leg.

Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson both started in attack, while there was an appearance for club captain Reece James after being an unused substitute against Ipswich.

Chelsea fans disappointed with Reece James’ performance vs Legia Warsaw

The England international was featuring in the middle of midfield again, the position Maresca sees as James’ future at Chelsea.

It seems not all Blues fans agree with the manager’s belief that this is where he should be playing. They took to social media to state that they believe he is being wasted in midfield, as well as putting his place in the side against Fulham in jeopardy.

One user said: “Reece James lack of awareness of his surroundings in the midfield strikes again. I get using him here to protect him but if doesn’t develop those instincts its only a matter of time before we’re punished for it.”

Another added: “Reece James in midfield is such an eyesore especially when you know how elite he is out wide.”

A third stated: “Reece James can’t play centre mid. Shocking on the half turn.”

Another user claimed: “Reece James starting tonight when we’re already 3-0 up, so you know that means our club captain isn’t starting on Sunday. Make it make sense.”

Finally, one user simply said: “Reece James is not a midfielder.”

Reece James stats vs Legia Warsaw

Despite clearly not being played in his best position, on paper the performance was still strong from James at Stamford Bridge.

Given the nightmare injury run that the skipper has suffered over the last few years, Maresca has been keen not to ask too much of him in order to allow him to make a complete recovery.

However, if this is coming at the expense of Premier League minutes, then the manager must reassess before leaving one of his best players out of key games costs Chelsea dearly.