Chelsea: Enzo Maresca points to Reece James versatility as he explains Ben Chilwell exile Enzo Maresca believes Reece James has the talent to “play everywhere” but suggested Ben Chilwell’s lack of similar versatility is behind his Chelsea exile.
Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella are both enjoying fine seasons under Maresca’s inverted full-back system but James’s return from his latest hamstring injury adds to Chelsea’s options.
Maresca’s adventurous use of his full-backs has been one of the hallmarks of his Chelsea reign thus far, with the Italian admitting he is “not a fan” of conventional “up and down” players in the role.
Chilwell has almost certainly played his last game for Chelsea after being left out of the squad for Saturday’s cup tie while the club seek to find a buyer.
The England international has made only one appearance this season - against Barrow in the Carabao Cup - and Maresca admits that is partly because does not see the left-back being able to perform the same role in his system.
