Key Chelsea player told to adapt his play by Chelsea journalist or risk becoming a backup | OneFootball

A key Chelsea player has told that he must adapt his style of play by a Chelsea journalist, or risk becoming a backup player only.

The new comes after Chelsea beat Premier League winners Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon in what was a fantastic overall performance by The Blues.

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Cole Palmer was back in fine form for Chelsea and is one of the reasons that they put in such a good performance, with the stats proving this as well.

Palmer was also involved in Chelsea’s first goal of the game in the opening minutes, as well as some good work by Romeo Lavia and Pedro Neto to setup Enzo Fernandez to provide a lovely finish to get things going.

Reece James didn’t start again

As is what has become the norm recently, especially when Romeo Lavia is fit again and Moises Caicedo goes to a inverted full back role, Blues captain Reece James does not start for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca.

The club captain not starting is not a great look, but it has become the reality, and James had to sit on and watch from the bench again on Sunday against Liverpool, until he was used as a late sub.

Reece James and an Enzo Maresca split screen. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

James must adapt

According to Chelsea journalist Rahman Osman, writing for FourFourTwo this week, James must adapt his play or risk becoming just a backup option under Maresca.

He says:

‘Maresca’s system doesn’t accommodate traditional full-backs, at least not in the conventional sense. With inverted roles, central overloads, and emphasis on technical precision in tight areas, James has been shuffled into midfield at times.

‘James now has a challenge on his hands that could define his career.

‘James, to his credit, hasn’t sulked. But the challenge is clear: he must now prove he can be more than just a traditional right-back. He must offer something in midfield that Maresca’s system can’t ignore, or risk becoming a rotational option, a luxury utility man rather than an untouchable starter.’