Football NewsMirror FootballUnverified source· 6 Sept 2026
Alonso backs James for world-class midfield role
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso reveals captain Reece James's long-term future lies in central midfield, not right-back.
R. James
player
Player
Reece James
Manager
Xabi Alonso
Club
Chelsea
Position
Central midfield
What happened. Xabi Alonso has backed Reece James to become world-class in central midfield, hinting his future lies away from right-back at Chelsea.
- James has started in midfield for club and country over the past year.
- Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez and failed to sign Lamine Camara, leaving midfield short.
- Alonso has used James in central positions in Chelsea's 3-4-3 formation.
“Reece James has a long future in central midfield.”
— Xabi Alonso
Alonso's comments come ahead of Chelsea's trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
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