As a player, Xabi Alonso was a world-class midfielder, having won numerous major honors including league titles, the Champions League, the Euros, and the World Cup. Therefore, his assessment of Chelsea right-back Reece James holds significant weight. Alonso believes James has every opportunity to become one of the world's best midfielders.

Although the tactical demands of midfield have evolved since Alonso's retirement in 2017, the core qualities required for success in that position remain the same. The Chelsea manager stated that Reece James possesses many of these excellent qualities. James, now 26, also has a natural leadership presence and, as a product of the Chelsea academy, is now in his fourth season as team captain.

Playing James in midfield is not a new experiment. He played in midfield in the Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, and he also performed brilliantly in midfield in last season's match against Arsenal.

In the upcoming Premier League round, Chelsea will visit the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. At the pre-match press conference, Alonso was asked if this world-class right-back could also reach top-level standards in midfield.

"I think absolutely. He plays in that position with great ease and confidence. He has the football intelligence required for a midfielder; a midfielder needs to think about solutions before receiving the ball and connect with teammates, and he has that ability to read the game. I remember he had some very good performances in midfield, and we will continue to use him—he will get a lot of playing time in midfield."

Alonso added: "Physically, as long as he is healthy and well-prepared, he has proven that he can fully adapt to the Premier League's physicality; there are no issues. A midfielder needs to constantly make simple, correct decisions, be involved in the game at all times, and maintain rhythm. James is deeply involved in the game, knows where he should be, and has the ability to motivate his teammates. He has authority within the team, and his teammates are willing to listen and follow him, which is crucial for me."

In the first three rounds of the new season, Alonso experimented with several midfield pairings. Against Fulham, James partnered with Lavia; in the League Cup victory over Luton, he played alongside Barco; in the last round against Brighton, James did not start, with Lavia and Gusto anchoring the midfield.

Alonso discussed the team's squad depth: "We will plan according to the characteristics of our current players; many players in the squad can play multiple positions. Reece can play in midfield, and Gusto can also play in midfield and other positions. We are satisfied with the current squad, and even if we encounter injuries or suspensions, we have enough personnel to cope. Our situation is very good."

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