Enzo Maresca Reveals Tactical Shift to Help Reece James Stay Fit and Thrive

Reece James has long been regarded as one of Chelsea’s most talented and versatile players, but injuries have frequently disrupted his ability to play at his best. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca now believes he has found a way to manage the defender’s fitness while maximizing his impact on the pitch.

Speaking about James’ evolving role, Maresca explained how playing in midfield at times could reduce the physical strain on the right-back.

“Full-backs, when they play up and down, they spend much more [energy] than when they go inside, for big distances and for the amount of times they go up and down,” Maresca said.

The Chelsea manager suggested that the team may assist James in avoiding undue physical demands while still making use of his technical skills by occasionally integrating him in midfield or as an inverted full-back. James has been seen going into central positions during games, playing as a left-back, right-back, and even moving into midfield when necessary, putting this strategy to the test.

It’s not a surprise that James can play different roles. He has an unique combination of defensive strength, offensive skill, and passing vision. At his best, he controls the right side with overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and smart defensive positioning. But injuries—most notably hamstring and knee issues—have often sidelined him, limiting his availability over the past two seasons.

Maresca’s comments indicate that Chelsea is prioritizing James’ long-term fitness. The club is aware that constantly running up and down the wing places significant strain on a player who has struggled with injuries. By tweaking his role, Chelsea hopes to preserve James’ energy and reduce the risk of further setbacks.

The Premier League requires a lot from full-backs, and Chelsea has already seen how important James is to their system when fit. James only played in 11 league games last season because of injury, which was a major setback for a squad that depends on his technical skill and leadership.

This season, Maresca’s strategy has to be working well, with James managing his minutes more effectively while contributing across different positions.

“For sure the way we are using him in some games can help him… With Reece in this moment, he is working quite well,” Maresca said. “He is playing right full-back, left full-back, midfielder, it’s not only one. We have more players that play in different positions, so we are happy and hopefully the way we are using Reece, we are helping him to be fit.”

Chelsea fans will be hoping that this approach allows James to stay on the pitch consistently. When fit, he is one of the best full-backs in the world, and under Maresca’s guidance, he may yet reach new heights. If this tactical adjustment keeps him available throughout the season, Chelsea could finally see their captain leading the team to greater success.