Enzo Maresca rolled the dice when it came to his team selection as Chelsea made the trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Both Reece James and Malo Gusto started for the Blues, with it clear that one of the two was going to be occupying a new position.
It was the club captain who was tasked with playing in midfield at Villa Park, forming a three alongside Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
The Blues were stung late as a Filip Jorgensen error saw them concede late to lose 2-1, after leading thanks to Fernandez’s opener.
Reece James impresses in midfield for Chelsea despite defeat to Aston Villa
Since returning from injury, James has often operated in a more central role in defence, allowing Marc Cucurella to be the one to assist in attack.
However, Maresca had faith in the England international to start in an unusual position, where he saw a lot of the ball.
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Jamie Redknapp admitted he was surprised to see Chelsea lineup the way they did. He said to Sky Sports: “It certainly surprised me, Reece James, Caicedo and Fernandez.”
While showing an improved display of leadership following criticism from John Obi Mikel, James was one of the key players who continued to find Pedro Neto in behind, Chelsea’s best avenue to goal.
James certainly improved as time went on in the game, after being caught in possesion a couple of times.
Alan Smith, who was providing commentary for Sky Sports, was initially critical of the England international in his new role.
He said: “Reece James, a bit of a square peg in a round hole. He looks a bit uncomfortable in that role on the right of central midfield.”
However, as he grew into the game Smith begun to praise James, saying: “I think he’s growing into that role Reece James, enjoying it more now.”
Enzo Maresca not to blame for Chelsea’s loss to Aston Villa
Maresca tried another solution to solve his striker woes, this time starting Pedro Neto down the middle, with Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer wide of him.
It was a bright performance from the Portugal international, whose pace set up the Blues goal in the early stages.
It was another goalkeeping error that saw Chelsea fall to defeat again though, something which has become an unfortunate theme for the Blues in their push for Champions League football.
Maresca should stick with this new system though for their upcoming games, where they face Southampton and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.
