Chelsea legend tells Enzo Maresca he is wrong about Reece James | OneFootball

Chelsea legend John Terry does not agree with current head coach Enzo Maresca's assessment of Reece James' best position.

James has spent the vast majority of his career playing at right-back or right wing-back, occasionally filling in as a third wide centre-back when required.

His performances in that role led James to be considered as one of the best in the world, but a glut of serious injuries have derailed the 25-year-old's career. Now fit again, he has been moved into central midfield by Maresca – a role the Chelsea boss feels he is best suited to playing.

But former captain Terry, who spent 19 years at Chelsea, played in 717 games across all competitions and won multiple Premier Leagues, FA Cups and the Champions League and Europa League, does not see things the same way as the former Leicester City boss – instead siding with current England boss Thomas Tuchel's belief that he's a full-back.

"I agree with that [Tuchel's assessment]. I see him as a defender," Terry said, in quotes relayed by BBC Sport. "I don't like it, to be honest, people drifting in [to midfielder] I think it is more confusing.

"Midfielders are very comfortable with their back to goal. When defenders step into those roles it is probably the opposite, we are probably not as comfortable receiving the ball with our back to goal.

Tuchel saw the very best of James up close and personal at Chelsea / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

"A very different role and first and foremost, talking about the 2005-06 season, we conceded 15 goals and top teams are built around good foundations and I think you need that.

"To be able to do that, you need a back four or a solid back three in place."

Tuchel had spoken of James' best position after handing him a call-up to the England squad for the first time since March 2023 – an indicator of just how severe his injury problems have been.

"I still feel he is a player for the full-back and wing-back positions, I think we have enough players in central midfield who are more specialists there," Tuchel told the media.

He added when asked if James was still physically capable of playing at full-back: "We need to see if he can do this. He needs to prove the point, to be honest, he needs to prove that he can do it."