Reece James started in midfield once again for Chelsea in their 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
While the 25-year-old is a full-back by trade, Enzo Maresca has used him in the middle of the park on multiple occasions.
Aston Villa star Matty Cash really rates James as a right-back, but his manager clearly feels that he is also a capable midfielder.
The Chelsea boss has now explained why he opted to start him alongside Moises Caicedo in the middle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Enzo Maresca wanted Reece James’ physicality in midfield
Possessing the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto, Chelsea are a very technical team.
However, Maresca felt that he needed more physicality for what proved to be another fiery London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
As a result, the Italian decided to use James in midfield and push Fernandez further forward, where the Argentine was able to cause havoc.
Explaining the importance of James’ midfield role to Chelsea’s official club website, Maresca said: “It depends a little bit on the game plan. I think yesterday we needed a little bit more physicality in the middle.
“We expected them to play with [Pape Matar] Sarr, with [Rodrigo] Bentancur, with [Joao] Palhinha. We didn’t expect them with four midfielders, because then [Lucas] Bergvall also played.”
While the England international did have a good game in the engine room against Thomas Frank’s side, it was his midfield partner who really stood out.
Jason Cundy waxed lyrical about Caicedo during the match, describing his display as “immense”.
How Reece James showed leadership in Tottenham win
Maresca has not always been impressed with James’ leadership, criticising his captain for not showing enough last season.
However, it is something that the Chelsea academy product has really worked on, and that was clear to see at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
For example, there was one moment at half-time where James gathered his Chelsea teammates so that they could head off the pitch together.
It was perhaps to ensure that no one would be left alone to receive abuse from the Tottenham supporters. There is always the possibility that he just wanted to share some words with his teammates.
Whatever the reason, he was literally leading his team as they headed down the tunnel at the break. It is the kind of thing you want to see from your skipper.