{"id":1373,"date":"2026-08-16T18:29:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T18:29:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1373"},"modified":"2026-08-16T18:29:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T18:29:48","slug":"theres-absolutely-no-disagreeing-with-how-xabi-alonso-has-just-described-reece-james","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1373","title":{"rendered":"There’s absolutely no disagreeing with how Xabi Alonso has just described Reece James"},"content":{"rendered":"


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It is fair to assume that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is going to be leaning on Reece James heavily this season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

James<\/a> is Chelsea<\/a> captain and one of the most versatile players in Alonso\u2019s<\/a> squad.<\/p>\n

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The 26-year-old can play at right-back and in midfield, lining up alongside Moises Caicedo in Chelsea\u2019s 3-1 win against Real Sociedad on Saturday.<\/p>\n

James attacked and defended well<\/a>, showing how complete the Englishman is.<\/p>\n

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What did you make of Pedro Neto\u2019s performance against Sociedad? \u2b50<\/h3>\n

It might be his last in a Chelsea shirt, according to reports\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Xabi Alonso hails Reece James as a Chelsea legend<\/h2>\n

Alonso spoke about James following Chelsea\u2019s final pre-season game, hailing him as a club legend.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Chelsea\u2019s official club website<\/a>, Alonso said: \u201cHe\u2019s very flexible in his style and in different positions, he\u2019s a legend in the club, and he is a key player for the team.\u201d<\/p>\n

James may still only be 26, but there is not a single Chelsea fan who would disagree with their manager. This will be his fourth season as Chelsea captain, while the England international has made 229 appearances for his boyhood club.<\/p>\n

In the 2024\/25 campaign, James also captained Chelsea to the Club World Cup<\/a> and Conference League<\/a> trophies.<\/p>\n

His most significant contribution in a blue shirt, though, was helping Chelsea win the Champions League<\/a> five years ago.<\/p>\n

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\"Reece<\/div>
Photo by Adrian Dennis \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When you consider all of those achievements, there is no doubt that James is a Chelsea legend<\/a>. And with a contract until 2032, he will not be leaving Stamford Bridge<\/a> any time soon.<\/p>\n

In the past, James has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City. Nothing has ever materialised, though, much to the delight of Chelsea supporters.<\/p>\n

It will now be interesting to see how Alonso uses James this season. He has mentioned his versatility, so it is likely that we see the England star in multiple roles.<\/p>\n

It could come down to what system Alonso uses. In a 3-4-3 formation, James could play at right wing-back, right centre-back or in central midfield.<\/p>\n

Hopefully James can stay fit. If that happens, he will be a huge asset for Alonso in the new campaign.<\/p>\n

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