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Enzo Maresca has explained his decision to play "fantastic" Chelsea defender Reece James in midfield in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
This is not the first time that Maresca has deployed a defender in midfield.
Both Chelsea right-backs, James and Malo Gusto, have had their share of midfield duty, and it only helps to make Chelsea even more unpredictable in games.
However, Maresca did not just use James, arguably one of the best right-backs in the world, out of position for the sake of surprising the opponents.
"Depends a little bit on the game plan," the Italian said in his post-match press conference when speaking about the reason he played James in midfield.
"Today, I think we needed a little bit more physicality in the middle.
"We expected them to play with (Pape) Sarr, (Rodrigo) Bentacur, (Joao) Palhinha.
"I think Reece is doing fantastic when he's playing as a midfielder, doing fantastic when he's playing as a full-back, and he's doing fantastic in terms of leadership with the players inside the changing room."
Maresca's decision clearly paid off, as Chelsea not only dominated the game but also played as solidly as they could have hoped defensively.
James made eight defensive contributions in the game, including three interceptions and two tackles, and recovered the ball eight times.
James played a full 90 minutes, but went back to his natural role as a right back in the last 15 minutes after Gusto was replaced by Romeo Lavia.
While deploying their only two right-back options at the same time comes with its own risks, the versatility of both James and Gusto has proved crucial for Chelsea since the start of the season.
Enzo Maresca has named his Chelsea side to face Spurs in the Premier League.
Chelsea are looking to clinch a fifth Premier League win in a row against their London counterparts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Enzo Maresca's side will be hoping to put their defeat to Sunderland last weekend behind them after conceding in stoppage time, while Spurs, who are three points ahead of Chelsea, claimed a 3-0 victory over Everton.
Chelsea sealed a fine victory over Spurs away from home last season. Despite taking a 2-0 lead, the hosts were unable to hold on as former loanee Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer (twice) and Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround in the 4-3 win in December 2024.
In terms of team news, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile. Dario Essugo and Palmer remain sidelined for the Blues. Liam Delap is absent as he serves a one-match ban following his red card against Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Here are the confirmed teams from north London for the Premier League fixture between Tottenham and Chelsea.
Tottenham
Starting XI: Vicario, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence, Palhinha, Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall, Kudus, Kolo Muani
Bench: Kinsky, Xavi, Richarlison, Romero, Tel, Udogie, Johnson, Odobert, Scarlett
Chelsea
Starting XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, James, Caicedo, Neto, Enzo, Garnacho, Joao Pedro
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