Reece James can become a key Chelsea midfielder, says Xabi Alonso

Chelsea captain Reece James has the ability to establish himself as a regular central midfielder, manager Xabi Alonso says.

James, primarily a right-back, has increasingly been used in the middle over the past year. Alonso believes the 25-year-old is comfortable in the role and will receive significant playing time there this season.

Chelsea’s need for midfield options increased when vice-captain Enzo Fernandez joined Premier League rivals Manchester City for a joint British record £125m on transfer deadline day.

The West London club appeared poised to replace the Argentina international with Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, but the Ligue 1 side withdrew from the agreement at the last minute.

That has left Alonso with a relatively limited number of central midfield options. Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson and James are all capable of playing in the position.

James’ passing ability has contributed to his move inside, while his injury history has also meant he no longer regularly has the physical capacity to surge down the right flank and reach the byline as frequently as he did earlier in his career.

Speaking before Chelsea’s match against Arsenal on Sunday, 6 September, Alonso said James was ready to make the midfield role his own.

"I would say so. I would say he's very comfortable, very confident playing in that position,” he said.

"He has the intelligence to play there. He has the intelligence to connect with teammates around in the middle to know what's the best thing before and after you get the ball. And he has this awareness.

"I remember seeing him play very well in the middle. So yes, we are using him. He will have a lot of minutes in there as a first midfielder."

Alonso said James’ experience in the role meant his deployment was not an experiment.

"I knew he could play there," the Spaniard continued. "I remember the last Club World Cup final in New York. He played with Moi in the middle.

"At Anfield, I think he played there last year. It's not new for him. It's not that I'm discovering something.

"I think it has the needs of the team and his role in the team as well. Because I remember the game against Fulham (last month).

“His impact in terms of emotionally, in terms of captain, leadership in the middle, he's closer to everything and he can play an important role."

James’ influence as captain was another factor in Alonso’s thinking. Playing centrally places him closer to the main areas of the game, allowing him to communicate more directly with team-mates and shape Chelsea’s performance from the middle of the pitch.

Alonso also dismissed concerns over whether James has the physical condition required for the position, where players are involved in constant movement and frequent challenges.

"For me, physically he is fresh and he is prepared," Alonso said on James and his physicality.

"He has been competing in the Premier League so that for me is not an issue.

"As a midfielder you need to take a lot of little decisions, many right decisions because you are always very connected to the game.

"You are very close to the action and if you are walking it is not possible. So Reece is really involved in the game.

"He is already knowing where he has to be. He has the capacity to help the teammates around him so that is very important for me as well because he has this presence.

"He has the respect from the teammates that when he tells something they listen and they follow him."