Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has made his position clear on captain Reece James: wherever the England international plays, he can make the Blues a better team.
James has returned to Chelsea training following his involvement with England at the 2026 World Cup and is now pushing for a starting place in Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday.
The 26-year-old has quickly become one of the most intriguing pieces in Alonso’s tactical plans because of his ability to operate in several positions.
James can play as a traditional right-back, wing-back or central midfielder, while Alonso also has the option of deploying him centrally in a back three.
That versatility could prove crucial as Chelsea begin the 2026/27 campaign with a new-look approach under their Spanish head coach.
Alonso highlights James’ importanceJames made his first appearance of pre-season in Chelsea’s final friendly against Real Sociedad, featuring in midfield during the Blues’ impressive 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
For Alonso, the performance only reinforced what he already knows about his captain.
“He’s flexible in his game, but he needs to feel important,” said Alonso.
“I think that’s the main thing. Not just because of the role he has as a captain, but also because of the quality he gives to the rest of the team.
“Wherever he plays, as a right-back or as a midfielder, normally he makes the team better because of his quality, because of his game intelligence, his experience, his composure with the ball.
“So it’s good that we have players that can play in different positions, not just him, other players as well.
“I see him in a good mood, in a good mindset. For sure, the club means so much to him, and we want to have a good start, a fresh start with good momentum, and that’s why the start is so important on Monday.”
The ability to move James around the pitch gives Alonso another tactical advantage ahead of Chelsea’s opening-day test at Craven Cottage.
Rather than being restricted to one position, the Chelsea captain can potentially influence matches from several areas of the pitch.
His technical quality and calmness in possession also fit the demands of Alonso’s football, while his experience gives the team an important leadership presence.
That combination could make James particularly valuable during the early stages of the season, when Alonso continues to establish his methods and identify his strongest combinations.
Chelsea enter Monday’s clash with Fulham looking to begin the new Premier League campaign with momentum.
For Alonso, the opening fixture represents more than simply the first three points of the season. It is an opportunity to establish the identity and intensity he wants from his team.
James could be central to that plan. Whether Alonso chooses him at right-back, in midfield or in another defensive role, the message from the Blues boss is unmistakable: James’ value is not tied to one position.
With the captain fit, motivated and back in training, Chelsea have another major weapon available as they prepare to launch their Premier League campaign.
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