“People questioned him” – John Obi Mikel on decision Enzo Maresca got right

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has been speaking on a decision that manager Enzo Maresca got right.

It was a decision that was getting a lot of criticism and questioning at the time. I must say though, whilst I certainly don’t get everything right myself, far from it in fact, I also did get this one right because I backed the decision at the time!

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Of course, the best players in the world can do a great job in whatever position you put them in. But I’ve always looked at Reece James and believed that he would be a fine centre midfielder. He is one of the best right backs in the world when he stays fit, but now I also think he could become one of the best midfielders in the world if he stays fit and plays there.

Enzo Maresca has been putting James in midfield a lot lately, and it’s a decision that has been paying off big time. He was Man of the Match in our 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday and was a key player to make up for Moises Caicedo being sent off.

James’ performance single-handedly cost Arsenal £25,000 thanks to his masterclass on Sunday evening.

Mikel on James

Reece James battles in midfield, (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

John Obi Mikel has been speaking about James in midfield on his latest Podcast episode this week.

He said:

“I just think Enzo Maresca has found this system of having the captain Reece James to play in midfield.

“And a few times he tried it last year and a lot of people questioned him and criticized him for having to play in midfield, best right-back in the world, why do you play him in midfield?

“You can see now that the belief and the trust and confidence that the manager has in Reece James playing in midfield alongside Moise Caicedo in big games. It just keeps that balance in the team and we can see that’s working wonders.”