Chelsea: RLC at centreback? Wildcard emergency options at each position
By Varun Dani
4. Winger: Reece James (Alternate: Marcos Alonso)
Reece James is a man of so many qualities that he is right up there with N’Golo Kante as the most versatile Chelsea player this season. His pace, dribbling skills and crossing abilities would make him a shoe-in for the emergency winger position.
Anyone who watched James last season at Wigan Athletic knows he is an extremely underrated dribbler. He has the technical ability to beat a man with ease. After beating that man, James can whip in a wicked cross to even the shortest player on the field with precision. He is undoubtedly the best crosser in this team.
James also has an unerring goal-scoring instinct, which he has already displayed this season with two goals, the second being the all-important equalizer against Ajax. At Wigan, he also showed his ability to score from distance. Coupled with his crossing abilities, he would also be a set piece threat.
His defensive qualities are obviously very valuable, so if Lampard wanted to stop a dangerous winger-fullback combo (such as Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson), he could sensibly deploy James as a defensive winger. All in all, deploying James as the emergency winger could help give this Chelsea side a different, unconventional dimension.
Alonso has displayed his attacking prowess by scoring crucial goals for Chelsea down the years, and would easily take second place here.