Defensively, Chelsea have not been at their best this season. At the weekend, they conceded another goal against Newcastle United.
In total, Chelsea have conceded 11 times in nine Premier League games. Even so, at times, some of their players have made some crucial blocks and clearances.
Against Newcastle, for example, Reece James made a terrific headed clearance in the dying stages of the match.
Had he not got his head on the ball, Eddie Howe’s side could have easily ended up equalising.
Enzo Maresca praises Reece James
Enzo Maresca was impressed with James’ performance overall and says he has not been surprised by his last two displays.
Speaking to football.london and the rest of the English media in his latest pre-match press conference, the Chelsea manager said: “He played two Premier League games in a row with us. He was very good in both games. It didn’t surprise me. The thing we want is to keep him fit.”
Indeed, the £250,000-a-week (via Spotrac) right-back put in a good performance. James was also seen guiding Wesley Fofana during the game, something Maresca would have been happy to see after questioning his captain’s leadership skills.
Reece James can help Chelsea to improve defensively
Again, Chelsea can improve at the back. Do that, and they probably will qualify for the Champions League.
Going forward, the Blues have been excellent, with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson both on fire right now. Combined, they have scored 13 goals in the Premier League.
Now it is just about defending a bit better, and James can help them to do that. As the 24-year-old showed against Newcastle, he can be a terrific defender.
Chelsea’s backline is likely to be tested when Maresca’s men face Manchester United at Old Trafford this Sunday.
United have just sacked Erik ten Hag and are not doing well in the Premier League presently, sitting in 14th. However, they still have some very good attacking players, namely Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
They could cause Chelsea’s defence problems, but the Blues’ attack could easily do the same thing to their backline.
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