Maresca highlights key area James is “improving in” and hails him one of Chelsea’s “most important players” | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has stated Reece James is one of Chelsea’s most important players and highlighted where the England international has improved.

The Blues have made a good start to the season, although they are currently in danger of unravelling the good work they have done.

Chelsea are winless in their last five games and it’s just three points from the last 15, a run which has seen them drop out of the top four, although a win against Wolves on Monday night would see them move back into fourth.

Maresca highlights where James has improved

Chelsea have once again been without James for large parts of the season, but he returned to action in the FA Cup against Morecambe, before coming on as a second half substitute against Bournemouth.

James played a vital role in that game as he stepped up and scored a last minute free-kick to earn Chelsea a point.

James was back on the scoresheet against Bournemouth. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

The 25-year-old will now hope he can stay fit for the remainder of the season, and speaking ahead of the Wolves game Maresca has spoken of his importance and where he’s improved.

“In general Reece is one of the most important players for us because he is the captain,” he told the Daily Mirror.

“We know since we started with him that having him always fit, fit, fit is better. But we try to adapt. Now he’s back and we’re happy. And he’s improving in that [leadership] aspect.”

It’s great to hear that James’  leadership is improving, as he was publicly called out over it by Maresca earlier in the season.

More Stories / Latest News

Maresca highlights key area James is “improving in” and hails him one of Chelsea’s “most important players”

20th Jan 2025, 02:30pm

Chelsea could get back on track thanks to January transfer window

20th Jan 2025, 01:41pm

“Chelsea ended up messing up any deal” – Blues blamed for not signing world class striker

20th Jan 2025, 01:30pm

Chelsea lack leaders in the current squad, and James developing into more of a leader is going to be crucial for both Maresca and the squad.

Maresca has mentioned the likes of Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo emerging as leaders within the squad, which is another positive and with such a young squad the more leaders the better.