Chelsea: Enzo Maresca explains why Reece James played left-back against Newcastle

Enzo Maresca has explained why Chelsea captain Reece James was surprisingly deployed at left-back in Sunday’s Premier League victory over Newcastle.

James made his first competitive start of the season in last weekend’s defeat by Liverpool following a hamstring injury and, after being rested for the midweek trip to Panathinaikos, returned to the starting XI at Stamford Bridge.

The Englishman had played in his preferred position on the right of defence at Anfield, with Malo Gusto shifting to the left, but Maresca threw a curveball in switching their positions for the visit of the Magpies.

“I think it worked top,” Maresca said. “We tried to do something different. We moved Reece in the left side and we also tried, for the first time this season, Cole in the left pocket.

“It was his first game [there] and the reason was for us to try to attack on that side. And also to have Malo in the right pocket. I think it worked very well.”

James came through 90 minutes of a competitive game for the first time in 18 months, since the Champions League quarter-final defeat by Real Madrid in April 2023.

That represents a major step in the defender’s comeback and comes after Maresca had publicly admitted he expected more from his captain in terms of leadership during his injury absence.

“I spoke with Reece many times, even when he was injured at the start of the season,” Maresca said. “I really love and I really like Reece. The only thing I was saying the other day and I repeat again is that from the captains, I expect more.

“You are a captain for a reason and you have to show it every day. Inside the pitch, Reece is a top player.”