Enzo Maresca put on the spot about Reece James’ captaincy and leadership | OneFootball

Chelsea are back in action tomorrow night with a big game against West Ham.

They’re not only our rivals, they’re now being managed by Graham Potter, who would surely love to get one over on us after being appointed and then sacked in short order.

One player who can certainly make a difference in helping us to get a good result here is club captain Reece James. The defender is back fit again and is finally stringing together a run of games. After a full week off he should be ready to go at full power tomorrow, and in an interview for the club’s official website, manager Enzo Maresca was asked about what the full back can bring to the table.

“We are very happy that finally he is back for us. We consider Reece to be a top player, one of the best players we have, and for sure he is going to help us from now on,” the manager said in his pre-match press conference on Saturday.

James developing his leadership skills as he learns under Maresca

Reece James celebrates his equaliser for Chelsea. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

One thing that came up at the start of the season was James’ leadership – something which Maresca criticised. He was asked about that too, and claimed he’d see improvements in that aspect:

“Since the start Reece is improving, he is getting better. I’ve said many times that all captains have to be a good example with all of their team-mates, especially in this team when we have many young players.

“He is trying to make an effort in terms of this kind of thing, in terms of leadership. He is doing that in general – it is during the training sessions, in the changing room, all of the time.”

That’s great to hear – nothing will help James gain confidence and leadership more than being fit and able to contribute.