EPL: ‘He is intelligent’ – Alonso confirms Chelsea defender will play in midfield against Arsenal

Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso has confirmed that defender Reece James volition beryllium played successful midfield successful their lucifer against Arsenal on Sunday.

In the past fewer seasons, the 26-year-old has occasionally been positioned successful the cardinal area, though helium chiefly plays arsenic a right-back.

However, aboriginal signs suggest that Alonso intends to often instrumentality a 3-4-3 enactment this season, with James serving arsenic 1 of the 2 cardinal midfielders.

James’ carnal attributes and enactment skills whitethorn beryllium beneficial on Sunday afternoon erstwhile Chelsea sojourn the Emirates Stadium to look Premier League champions Arsenal.

When asked if his skipper has the imaginable to go 1 of the champion midfielders successful the world, Alonso responded, “I would accidental so. He appears precise comfy and assured successful that role,” helium said.

The Spaniard further told the press, “He has the quality required to excel there. He understands however to link with his teammates successful the midfield and knows the optimal actions to instrumentality earlier and aft receiving the ball. His consciousness is commendable.

“I callback witnessing him execute exceptionally good successful that position. Therefore, we are so utilising him. He volition accumulate ...