Leicester City’s Kasey McAteer has suggested that Enzo Maresca could do something “interesting” with one Chelsea defender next season.
Enzo Maresca implemented huge changes at Leicester during just a season in charge, so what will he be able to do at Stamford Bridge next year?
The 44-year-old guided a talented Leicester squad to promotion from the Championship as title winners. However, the way that he transformed the Foxes into a dominant possession-based team is perhaps even more impressive.
As a result of his success, Chelsea have appointed Maresca as their new head coach on a five-year deal. It’s a big leap of faith with a manager who’s still relatively inexperienced.
Kasey McAteer prediction for Chelsea defender
Leicester winger Kasey McAteer, 22, knows what it’s like to work under Maresca after spending last season together.
During an interview with Alex Goldberg via Playback, McAteer has made the suggestion that Chelsea’s Reece James could end up playing as an inverted right-back next season for Maresca.
Leicester found so much success last year deploying Ricardo Pereira as a right-back that tucked into midfield when in possession, so could that trick now be repeated with the Chelsea captain?
When asked if James could be a good fit as an inverted full-back under Maresca, McAteer said: “For sure. I thought about that when all the talks [were happening] with Enzo going to Chelsea.
“I thought about this as well. Reece being at Wigan playing the centre midfield role. I feel that could be a thing for him maybe.
“Who am I to say? I don’t know what the gaffer’s thinking to do now at Chelsea. Whatever he’s got in mind I’m sure it’ll be the best option. But it would be interesting to see for sure.”
What to do with Reece James?
First and foremost, James needs to somehow remove the frequent injuries from his game.
The 24-year-old defender is arguably Chelsea’s best player when fit and firing, but it matters little when he barely plays. He only made 11 appearances last season across all competitions.
Hopefully, he can use the summer break and pre-season to get in the best shape possible.
James certainly has the footballing quality to work very well as an inverted right-back. In fact, he so often makes things happen when he’s on the ball.
But one dilemma for Maresca to solve is finding a way to make sure James is still allowed to push high and wide, where his crossing into the box is so lethal.