Pat Nevin looked into his crystal ball and predicted that Reece James would eventually move into a defensive midfield role in place of N’Golo Kante, writing in his weekly Chelsea column.
There are very few players in world football that could dislodge Kante from his holding post.
He is arguably the finest example of a modern day defensive midfielder. Tackling, intercepting and energy, he’s got the lot.
Chelsea’s all-action Frenchman has also demonstrated his ability to play further up the field.
This hasn’t achieved the similar, devasting effect towards opponents like when Kante is protecting the back four.
But it’s certainly another string to his already dazzling bow.
And if Thomas Tuchel did decide to deploy him in a more offensive role, Nevin believed Chelsea had a readymade defensive replacement right on their doorstep.
The former Blues winger said: “I will not be surprised if one day soon Reece James is asked to go into the deeper central role and that could free N’Golo to step forward to close down high up the field.”
James is also no stranger to featuring in a variety of positions.
The 21-year-old primarily plays at right-back, but has been known to feature at wing-back for club and country.
Frank Lampard used him twice before as a defensive midfielder, so it could certainly be a viable option for Tuchel to explore.
It may also be a long-term solution for Chelsea.
At 29-years of age, the Blues may need to start thinking of a contingency plan for life post-Kante.
This might mean chucking money at a new signing. Or, they could keep their cash and try James out for size.
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I can certainly see aspects to James’ game that would make him an ideal defensive midfielder.
Strong, quick and with a good range of passing.
Kante still has several years left in his tank, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Tuchel started to trial players in different locations.
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