Captain and arguably the best player at the club after Cole Palmer, it has been a worry seeing how little an impact Reece James has had on Chelsea in recent seasons.

Hamstring injuries, ankle problems and health issues have reduced James’ influence over the team, sidelining him for a huge chunk of the past few seasons, making many doubt if he could ever return to the player he once was— A world beater.

After a sustained period of fitness and availability in the second half of this season, Reece James appears to be slowly returning to form—but is he back? Is Reece James back?

A right-back by trade but his versatility means he gets asked to cover other positions in emergency (LB, DM, CB) making him an important squad member of any team. 

James’ importance to the team cannot be overstated and as such, his utilisation by coach Enzo Maresca has raised a few eyebrows.

Many feel the Italian’s decision to play James as a midfield or in the inverted full-back role limits his attacking influence and overall peak potential as a game-changer.

Going back in time under Thomas Tuchel, the manager who got the most out of Reece James, the Englishman was asked to cover the right flank and provide the team’s attacking width on a number of occasions.

Playing as a RWB meant James had attacking responsibilities under the German manager.

After only just breaking out the previous season under Frank Lampard, Reece James took his game to a whole new level under the former Dortmund coach as Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League with James playing a vital role in the competition. 

Despite recognising that James’ best position in the team is when he has the license to affect the game on both ends, it appears clear that the medical team and Maresca do not fully believe that the Cobham graduate can carry out that duty consistently due to injury.

As a result of that, Maresca’s careful approach to playing Reece James in a more ‘reserved’ role as either a RCB in possession, as an inverted full-back or as a defensive midfielder has seen the England international play 25 matches—the most in 3 years. 

Enzo Maresca is faced with a tough choice of deciding whether to allow James return to his old self of bombing up and down the right flank so he can affect the game offensively or to stick with his plan of carefully utilising the 25- year old right-back. 

One way he could do a bit of both and allow the former Wigan loanee a bit of freedom is just as witnessed against United at the Bridge. 

Playing as a RCB in possession, James was tasked with keeping the Blues’ base 3–1 base structure, with Tosin CCB and Colwill at LCB as security for when United try to breakaway on the counter.

Often faced up against a familiar face in ex-Chelsea player Mason Mount, Reece James’ positional awareness and incredible 1V1 defending bailed the Blues on a number of occasions, especially during the first 20 minutes of the game—doing his job defensively. 

With the team searching for a goal and pressing, James’ attacking quality shone when deep into the opponent’s half.

Striking the right post in the first half with a fierce swerving volley, James reminded everyone of how good a ball striker he still is.

Stuck in a stalemate and struggling to ignite any spark in attack, James found himself in the right half-space again but this time with the ball at his feet, before solely creating a chance out of nowhere as he swiveled away from Garnacho before supplying a perfect dinked cross for Cucurella to head home and win the game for the Blues.

The goal showed just how much he can affect the game for the Blues offensively, even after so many injuries.

Considering how much good Reece James can do going forward, Maresca must now be thinking of how much freedom he can afford the Cobham graduate while making sure he remains fit and healthy enough to keep making the difference as the world beater he truly is.

A big win for the Blues and it’s just one more game against Nottingham Forest left in the league, in the fierce race for Champions League football come next season.

Will Maresca ‘unleash’ Reece at right back high up the pitch on the final day? It might be a risk worth taking.