Reece James midfield role leaves Xabi Alonso with major Chelsea decision

Xabi Alonso has several issues to address during the international break after Chelsea’s promising start to the season gave way to three consecutive Premier League matches without a victory.

The 3-0 defeat at Brentford exposed defensive problems once again, but Chelsea’s midfield balance has also become increasingly important following Enzo Fernandez’s £125million departure to Manchester City.

Captain Reece James has been used centrally, yet recent performances have underlined why Alonso may need to reconsider that solution when Chelsea return to action.

James remains an important leader and has the physical qualities to compete centrally, but midfield is not his natural position.

His limitations there were particularly visible against Arsenal, while summer arrival Valentin Barco has looked increasingly comfortable in the middle of the pitch.

Romeo Lavia is also rebuilding his rhythm after persistent injury problems, leaving Alonso with decisions to make over how Chelsea structure a midfield that was not reinforced after Fernandez’s Deadline Day departure.

James is not alone in struggling. Malo Gusto has lacked consistency, Wesley Fofana has failed to rediscover his best form and Jorrel Hato has combined attacking promise with defensive mistakes.

Emiliano Martinez has also endured a difficult start after his £7.5m arrival from Aston Villa, conceding ten times in his first four appearances.

Morgan Rogers has been the outstanding success.

Alongside Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, the £117m signing has helped create a dangerous attacking trio. The three have combined for ten goals and ten assists across 19 appearances in all competitions.

Danny Welbeck has also made an immediate impact, while Barco has strengthened his case for greater midfield responsibility.

However, Chelsea remain unbalanced. Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 has provided freedom for Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro, but the defensive structure continues to concede too easily.

Chelsea have gone 21 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, while their 7.3 expected goals after five league matches suggests their attacking output has depended heavily on clinical finishing rather than consistently creating high-quality opportunities.

The international break therefore gives Alonso an important opportunity to reassess both his midfield and defensive structure.

Chelsea do not return to Premier League action until October 10, when they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso now has time to consider whether James should continue in midfield or whether Chelsea need a different solution, while improving a defensive structure that has become their most obvious weakness.