Chelsea legend John Terry disagrees with current head coach Enzo Maresca’s assessment of Reece James’ best position.
James has primarily played as a right-back or right wing-back throughout his career, occasionally filling in as a third wide centre-back when needed. His performances in those roles earned him recognition as one of the best in the world. However, a series of serious injuries have hindered the 25-year-old’s career. Now fully fit, James has been moved into central midfield by Maresca, who believes this is his best position.
However, former Chelsea captain Terry, who played 717 games for the club over 19 years and won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, Champions Leagues, and Europa League trophies, disagrees with Maresca. Terry sides with current England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has always viewed James as a full-back.
“I agree with that [Tuchel’s assessment]. I see him as a defender,” Terry said, in comments relayed by BBC Sport. “I don’t like it, to be honest, people drifting in [to midfield] — I think it’s more confusing. Midfielders are very comfortable with their back to goal, but when defenders step into those roles, we’re probably not as comfortable receiving the ball with our back to goal.”
Terry also pointed out that top teams are built on strong defensive foundations, citing Chelsea’s 2005-06 season, where they conceded just 15 goals. He stressed the importance of having a solid back four or a reliable back three in place.
Tuchel, who managed James closely at Chelsea, has consistently maintained that the full-back role is where James excels. He emphasized this again when James was called up to the England squad for the first time since March 2023, reflecting the severity of his injury troubles.
“I still feel he is a player for the full-back and wing-back positions, I think we have enough players in central midfield who are more specialists there,” Tuchel said. “He needs to prove he can do it [as a midfielder].”
