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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>James played as a No.6</li><li>Scored a brilliant long-range goal</li><li>Maresca hails his abilities</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Enzo Maresca saw Reece James as a midfielder 'since day one' as Chelsea boss reveals long-term plan behind captain's new position following win against Copenhagen

Premier League

Chelsea

Leicester

Superleague

FC Copenhagen

Soenderjyske Fodbold

<p>James scored a superb long-range goal against Copenhagen in the Conference League as the Blues won 2-1 in the first leg of their last-16 clash. He played as a number six throughout the 90 minutes, instead of his usual right-back position.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Now Maresca has claimed that he told James he saw him as a midfielder as soon as he was appointed Chelsea manager, and has revealed his delight at seeing a long-term plan come to fruition.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Maresca told reporters: "So, you can ask Reece; when I signed with Chelsea, probably the day after, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder. I see Reece as a midfielder, not now - since day one, before I met him for the first time, he was on holiday. I sent him a clip about him playing as a midfielder.</p><p>"I mentioned Reece playing as a midfielder a long time ago. He is playing there now but the good thing is he played this year already as a full-back, as a centre-back and in the central midfielder. The main target for us is to help him be fit all season."</p>

WHAT ENZO MARESCA SAID

<p>Chelsea play Leicester on Sunday in the Premier League before the second leg against Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge next week.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Enzo Maresca saw Reece James as a midfielder 'since day one' as Chelsea boss reveals long-term plan behind captain's new position following win against Copenhagen | Goal.com

Enzo Maresca has claimed that he told Reece James he would play him in midfield from &quot;day one&quot; after his fine performance against Copenhagen.

Enzo Maresca saw Reece James as a midfielder &apos;since day one&apos; as Chelsea boss reveals long-term plan behind captain&apos;s new position following win against Copenhagen

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