Enzo Maresca must reverse puzzling selection decision over 4th best rated player | OneFootball

One of the more puzzling decisions from last week’s game against Brighton was in the Chelsea defence.

A week before, Reece James had been rested in the Friday night cup game against the same opposition, which made sense. He’d played Monday night against West Ham, and we all know the priority is to manage his body after so many injuries.

But the decision to then leave him out from the start a week later was strange – he’s clearly the better option in that position and had had more than a week to rest. Malo Gusto played instead, and James was only introduced in the 65th minute.

Stats site SofaScore have James as the Blues’ joint 4th best rated player all season with Trevoh Chalobah, behind only Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer. There is just no reason to not put him in the team when he’s fit and there’s no risk to his body.

Given his last start was now 2 and a half weeks ago, we can’t see any reason why Enzo Maresca would leave him out of the game against Aston Villa on Saturday. We need everyone at their best in that game, and Gusto’s form has been poor all year.

Chelsea need James back in the team and firing

Reece James celebrates his late free kick against Bournemouth.

Having James back may not be enough on its own to add confidence to the defence and some bite to the attack – but it certainly can’t hurt. He offers physicality, a threat down that right flank, great crossing and plenty of experience compared to some in this side.

There are some major headaches for Maresca in terms of selection up front, with both his proper strikers out, but this decision surely makes itself. He’s started just 6 games this season, and our last 2 wins both had him in the side.