{"id":295896,"date":"2023-11-03T05:54:37","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T05:54:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tellmysport.com\/?p=295896"},"modified":"2023-11-03T05:54:37","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T05:54:37","slug":"world-class-chelsea-star-can-spearhead-mauricio-pochettino-turnaround","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellmysport.com\/soccer\/world-class-chelsea-star-can-spearhead-mauricio-pochettino-turnaround\/","title":{"rendered":"‘World class’ Chelsea star can spearhead Mauricio Pochettino turnaround"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chelsea v Blackburn: Pictures<\/h3>\n

Chelsea\u00a0star Reece James can lead Mauricio Pochettino\u2019s turnaround at Stamford Bridge after returning to full fitness. James, dubbed one of the best in his position in world football by his manager, has missed most of the campaign so far through injury.<\/p>\n

The Blues captain suffered a hamstring problem on the opening weekend of the season but made his first start since his recovery in Wednesday\u2019s 2-0 victory over Blackburn. James led his side to a 2-0 victory and can be the difference for Pochettino as he spearheads a recovery from a dismal 18 months.<\/p>\n

Chelsea appeared to be back on track prior to last Saturday\u2019s 2-0 defeat by Brentford. The west Londoners have lacked the impetus on both flanks that James and fellow full-back Ben Chilwell usually provide when fit.<\/p>\n

James and Chilwell have both missed large periods of the season. However, James\u2019 return is likely to give Pochettino a major boost.<\/p>\n

Chelsea have struggled at full-back without James. Axel Disasi and Marc Cucurella have both deputised in the position but neither have had the same impact on matches, unable to burst forward and contribute just as effectively in attack as they do in their own third.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Mauricio Pochettino makes ‘mistake’ admission at Chelsea under Todd Boehly[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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James has endured a tough 12 months – he was injured just prior to last year\u2019s World Cup and suffered a setback upon his return in January. Remaining fully fit will give Pochettino a player he dubbed world class on Wednesday evening.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really important. It\u2019s important that your captain stay fit and can help the team. One of the best full backs in the world,\u201d the Chelsea boss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnlucky he only played 70 minutes against Liverpool and until now didn\u2019t play. Little by little he will get fit and cope with the demand of the games.\u201d<\/p>\n