Reece James’ latest comments prove one criticism of Enzo Maresca was completely wrong | OneFootball

Reece James believes he’s currently feeling the best he’s felt after a difficult few years being plagued by injury issues.

The Chelsea captain has had a number of hamstring issues and underwent surgery last season which caused him to miss almost five months under Mauricio Pochettino.

James has had injury issues this campaign and missed 11 league games, but since returning against Bournemouth in January he’s stayed injury free

Reece James feeling the best he’s felt

Enzo Maresca has been very careful in managing James’ minutes and has played the 25-year-old in midfield on a number of occasions in order to build his fitness up and protect him.

James started the last two games of the campaign against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at right back and produced a brilliant piece of skill and cross to set up the winner against the Red Devils.

James has stayed fit since returning from injury in January. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Gary Cahill believes James is one of the best fullbacks in Europe, and there’s no doubt when fully fit he makes a huge difference to Chelsea.

Maresca has come in for criticism for the way he’s managed James, who has at times been linked with a move away from his boyhood club.

However, speaking ahead of the Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday James stated he’s feeling the best he’s felt.

“Definitely the best I’ve felt,” he said as cited by Absolute Chelsea on X.com.

“I played the most in two or three years so happy to be back on the pitch, helping the team regularly. If I’m called upon tomorrow, I will be ready.”

Chelsea face tough Betis task

The Blues are looking to lift their first piece of silverware under the new ownership, but Maresca isn’t happy Real Betis had 48 hours extra to prepare for the game.

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Chelsea are likely to be considered favourites, but will face their toughest game of the competition against their La Liga counterparts.

The Blues will have to try and contain Antony who’s been brilliant since joining from Manchester United on loan, but a win would see Chelsea become the first team to win all three European trophies.