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Enzo Maresca has not held back in his assessment of Reece James following the defender’s recent return from injury.
The 24-year-old made his long-awaited return against Liverpool last weekend after being ruled out for most of last season.
Thrown straight in at the deep end and asked to start against Arne Slot’s Reds six days ago, James was clearly out of rhythm and looked a shadow of the player he once leaned to become a right-back England’s first choice.
Enzo Maresca criticizes Reece James for “lack of leadership”
And speaking ahead of Sunday’s thrilling clash against Newcastle United, Maresca didn’t mince words when discussing James’ first performance.
“I expected more from him in terms of leadership, inside the dressing room,” the italian he told reporters.
“He’s on his way, he’s doing well, he’s making progress, but I expected more from Reece also in terms of leadership.
“For me, since you are the captain, you have to give more than the rest. Sometimes, “ok, I’m the captain, I can give less.” no He is one of the captains and I expected from him, and his teammates expected from him, to always give more in leadership”.
Step up or risk losing your captain’s armband
After comparing James’ mental attributes with the rest of the Chelsea squad, Maresca believes the Blues lack a “proper leader”, potentially bad news for James, who was named club captain by Mauricio Pochettino earlier from the beginning of last season.
“He understands that we expected more from him,” added the manager.
“He’s one of our academy boys, but that’s one of the reasons why he has to show more personality.
“When you don’t have a proper leader, you have to build it. I think we don’t have a proper leader. Tosin (Adarabioyo) is probably one of the guys who is. The rest, we have to build them.
“Reece is there, he’s on his way, but he’s not there. He’s got to put some effort into it. Levi (Colwill) probably wasn’t a leader at the start of the season, but now you see he’s one of the guys who’s always talking. We’ve got build this.”
Maresca’s recent comments are unlikely to bode well for the Chelsea defender and will fuel speculation about his future at the club.
Barcelona and Benfica have already been linked with surprise approaches with the ex-particuarly light in the position of James with Jules Kounde, the only recognized senior right back.
