{"id":1353,"date":"2026-08-16T13:57:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T13:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1353"},"modified":"2026-08-16T13:57:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T13:57:00","slug":"what-reece-james-proved-once-again-in-chelseas-victory-over-real-sociedad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1353","title":{"rendered":"What Reece James proved once again in Chelsea’s victory over Real Sociedad"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Reece James\u2019 performance in Chelsea\u2019s 3-1 win against Real Sociedad on Saturday was quite an interesting one.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Xabi Alonso<\/a> started the 26-year-old in midfield, partnering him with Moises Caicedo.<\/p>\n

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It is not his natural position, but James<\/a> has shown in recent years that he is a very capable midfielder.<\/p>\n

With that being said, it was not his best outing at Stamford Bridge<\/a>, but the defender was still able to prove a point.<\/p>\n

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What type of reaction did Enzo Fernandez deserve on his return for Chelsea?\ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Photo by Adrian DENNIS \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

James and Caicedo were perhaps not dominant enough as a midfield pairing against Real Sociedad; however, there were still positives to take from the former\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n

Once again, James showed just how well-rounded his game is. For example, it was his cross that resulted in one of Chelsea\u2019s<\/a> goals, while the right-back also managed to make two key passes, according to Sofascore<\/a>.<\/p>\n

James also won both of the tackles he attempted, so the Chelsea captain was able to make a contribution in defence and attack.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, James is a footballer who can make an impact in both defence and attack, which supporters saw once again on Saturday.<\/p>\n

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\"Reece<\/div>
Photo by Chelsea Football Club\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where Reece James could play this season<\/h2>\n

In a back three, you can easily imagine James playing as the right-sided central defender<\/a>. Defensively, the England international is solid enough to play there, while he also has enough pace to cope against fast forwards and wingers in that right channel.<\/p>\n

Of course, on this occasion, Alonso opted to start James in midfield, but it is quite clear that James can play there, in central defence or at right-back or right wing-back.<\/p>\n

The Chelsea academy<\/a> product is going to be such a useful player for a manager as flexible as Alonso.<\/p>\n

The key thing is helping James to stay fit, which may be easier this season with Chelsea playing fewer games compared to last term after failing to qualify for Europe.<\/p>\n

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