'James will have some difficulty regaining his starting place'
- Published
Reece James is back training on grass this week as Chelsea prepare to return to Premier League action, but Malo Gusto's emergence has ensured he has not been missed.
The 21-year-old has started every game he has been fit for under Enzo Maresca.
In pre-season, it felt like Gusto might suffer a similar fate to exiled Ben Chilwell but his adaptation to his Italian boss' approach has been exemplary.
The Frenchman delivered more assists last season under Mauricio Pochettino but is playing a very different role. Instead of overlapping and putting in crosses, he is entering midfield and either playing as part of the build-up or like a number eight - what Marseca describes as a "pocket player".
Having played in Lyon's academy as an attacking midfielder, Gusto is drawing upon his old experiences to not only survive but thrive in a tactical approach where Chelsea adapt to the opposition.
It means James will have some difficulty regaining his starting place, despite being club captain, and it makes Gusto's international omission by France manager Didier Deschamps seem a little harsh.
Of course, Chelsea are battling on five fronts so bringing back James will also be a boost in a potential 80-game season.