Enzo Maresca implemented a positional tweak during his first game managing Chelsea, though fans are not convinced.
The Blues took on League One side Wrexham at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, playing out an eventful 2-2 draw.
Just three minutes into the game and a wild brawl ensued after Levi Colwill and James McClean got into a scuffle.
Christopher Nkunku scored the opener before Wrexham turned it around with goals from Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott in the second half.
Chelsea levelled matters through Lesley Ugochukwu in the 82nd minute as Maresca had to settle for a draw for his first game in charge.
The Italian is clearly already putting his stamp on the side and already signs of his approach were there to see.
The ex Leicester City man has a possession-based, front-foot style and that meant he continued the trend of a full-back coming inside.
The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joao Cancelo have adopted the role in recent times and Maresca elected to play captain Reece James there.
The 24-year-old has played in midfield before during a loan spell with Wigan Athletic, with Maresca watching footage and trialling it in training.
But while the position is somewhat familiar to him, the general consensus among Chelsea is that James is wasted in the position and his qualities are not maximised.
One wrote: “Reece James is a RIGHT BACK. He should be on the touchline bombing up and down the flank.”
A second said: “What waste of his final third talents this is
A third added: “Inverted this inverted that give me my Reece James flying fullback back.
A fourth opined: “Reece James inverting limits his vast range of qualities imo. He can’t make those powerful runs or overlaps bc there’s no space centrally. It limits his crossing ability and cut-back potential. More effective & lethal when playing wide.”
A fifth stated: “In Poch ball at least we could see Reece James and Malo Gusto crosses, now we can’t under Enzo Maresca because they are playing in the midfield.”
Chelsea are back in action on Saturday when they take on Celtic at the Notre Dame Stadium.
Featured Image Credit: Getty & Chelsea
Topics: Chelsea, Reece James