John Terry says he ‘doesn’t like’ Enzo Maresca’s assessment of Reece James and agrees with Thomas Tuchel that the Chelsea captain should remain a defender.
James has been hampered by a series of injury problems in recent seasons but, when fit, the 25-year-old is widely considered to be amongst essentially the most complete right-backs in world football.
The England international’s’ versatility has, at times, proven invaluable at Chelsea, with the full-back infrequently covering central midfield and centre-back when called upon.
While rising through the Blues’ youth ranks, James was deployed in various positions and made his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge after playing a starring role on loan at Wigan Athletic as an attack-minded midfielder.
But facing the media earlier this month, Maresca went a step further and suggested James’ long-term future could lie in the midst of the park – something the Italian has felt ‘since day one’ as manager.
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‘You may ask Reece, the day after I signed with Chelsea, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder,’ Maresca told reporters ahead of his side’s 1-0 victory over Leicester.
‘I see Reece as a midfielder, not only now but since day one. Before I met him for the primary time, when he was on holiday, I sent him a clip of how he could play as a midfielder.
‘So I imagined him playing as a midfielder a protracted time ago. He’s playing [there] now, but the nice thing is that this season he has played as a full-back, a central defender, many positions, however the predominant goal for us is to assist him stay fit all season
An injury to Cole Palmer saw James start in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo against Arsenal last weekend and the Chelsea skipper was tasked with man-marking Declan Rice.
But James badly struggled and was replaced by Romeo Lavia within the closing stages of Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat, with Wayne Rooney amongst those to query Maresca’s daring selection on the Emirates.
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Tuchel has ruled out playing James in midfield for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, insisting his 2020/21 Champions League winner ‘is a player for the full-back and wing-back positions’ this week.
‘I agree with that [Tuchel’s assessment]. I see him as a defender,’ ex-Chelsea captain Terry told BBC Sport.
‘I don’t prefer it, to be honest, people drifting in [to midfield], I feel it’s more confusing.
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‘Midfielders are very comfortable with their back to goal.
‘When defenders step into those roles it might be the alternative, we’re probably not as comfortable receiving the ball with our back to goal.
‘A really different role and initially, talking concerning the 2005/06 season, we conceded 15 goals and top teams are built around good foundations and I feel you wish that.
‘To find a way to do this, you wish a back 4 or a solid back three in place.’
Terry believes James’ leadership style is markedly different to that which he deployed while wearing the armband at Stamford Bridge.
However the ex-England defender sees no reason why James cannot go on to be a successful captain in west London, so long as he stays ‘100 per cent’ authentic along with his team-mates within the dressing room.
‘Reece leads the team different to the way in which did which is advantageous. There may be alternative ways to be a captain and a pacesetter,’ Terry added.
‘I said this to him, Reece must be 100 per cent Reece James. He doesn’t must be 10 percent John Terry.
‘He must be really authentic because he’s the one speaking in front of the boys as well and, if not, people will see through it if not.
‘He’s doing a superb job, but I feel initially if you find yourself at a captain of a football club it is advisable be consistent in your performances and to do this you could have to play week in and week out.’
James will hope to be involved tomorrow night when England kick off their World Cup qualification campaign at home to Albania in Group K.
The Three Lions then return to Wembley on Monday evening to entertain a Latvia team ranked 140 on the earth.
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