Photo: Bryan Berlin / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Reece James made his first pre-season appearance for Chelsea in a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday, with manager Xabi Alonso welcoming the return of his captain after England's World Cup campaign.
James had only resumed training earlier in the week following England's third-place finish at this summer's World Cup, yet Alonso had seen enough to offer a clear assessment of what the skipper adds to the side.
"Personality, leadership, experience, quality, composure with the ball, competitiveness without the ball," said Alonso. "He's very flexible in his style and in different positions, he's a legend in the club, and he is a key player for the team."
James was not the only returning player to feature against Sociedad. New signings Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers also received an hour of action, with Rogers opening the scoring in the match at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso acknowledged the limited preparation time but was encouraged by what he saw from those returning from the tournament. "They did quite well to play this well after just three days of training," he said.
"It's early days and there is so much to connect and improve and live together, but the most important is the hunger and the desire they have to want to have a great season," Alonso added.
ChelseA now plan five training sessions before their Premier League opener against Fulham, with Alonso noting that fitness levels vary among the squad but that all players would be ready in due course.