Thursday night’s Conference League last 16 tie proved to be more challenging than we first thought as Chelsea earned a 2-1 win away to Copenhagen in Denmark. While the performance as a whole was under par, one performance stood out and it has been well overdue.
Reece James stepped up when we needed him most. After a poor showing from the side in the first half, Reece James’ precise strike just after half time eased the tension in the game and handed the Blues a well needed lead to quieten the home crowd.
Let’s be honest, it’s been the worst imagined start to life as Chelsea captain for James as he has suffered injury upon injury since being announced as the club captain by Mauricio Pochettino in 2023. It has been mentally and physically draining for Reece but incredibly frustrating as fans to see such a promising player being dealt with blow after blow regarding his injuries. What has been missing in this team since December is a leader and a figure that epitomizes the values of the club. Reece James hasn’t shown that with his absences from the side and was previously questioned by Enzo Maresca himself.
What we saw on Thursday was a different Reece James of late. Provided with a new role in midfield, James looked comfortable and almost back to himself. He showed his adaptability in this performance and stood up to the challenge that the Danish side brought. It was almost as if the leash had been taken off him and the worry of injuries had been left at home in London. It was a joy to watch and to see our captain back in the role he deserved.
It's important to note that this was a mid-week Conference League game against a side not at the Premier League level. Chelsea fans need to take that into account before we begin to shout and roar that “Reece James is back”.
But it's hard to contain the delight as we witnessed a man, who has been to depths of despair, return to the side and perform like us football fans know he can. Maresca may have found a new position for the English defender, but it’s the old Reece James we are glad to see back and performing for Chelsea.