Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has expressed confidence in Reece James potentially becoming one of the best midfielders in the world. At 26 years old, James has occasionally played in midfield, and Alonso believes his technical ability, tactical discipline, and intelligence make him an ideal candidate for this role.

The team is currently seeking more depth in the middle of the park, and utilizing James in this position could significantly benefit their strategy. His leadership qualities also stand out, as he is a pivotal figure in the Chelsea dressing room, capable of organizing and motivating his teammates.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Alonso stated:

"I would say so. I would say that he’s very comfortable, very confident playing in that position. He has the intelligence to play there. He has the intelligence to connect with teammates in the middle, to know what’s the best thing before and after you get the ball. He has this awareness. I remember seeing him play very well in the middle. So yes, we are using him, and he will have a lot of minutes in there as a midfielder."

Chelsea has made a strong start to the season under Alonso and aims to return to the UEFA Champions League. With significant investment made during the summer transfer window, the club is expected to be in contention for trophies. The contributions of players like James will be vital for their ambitions to reclaim their status at the top of English football.