“In order to be a player, you have to be on the field”- Pundit warns Chelsea that Reece James is decreasing in value

Chelsea captain Reece James has often been sidelined since last season

Alejandro Moreno has hit out at Chelsea right-back Reece James and his recurrent injuries, claiming that they are detracting the player’s importance to the team.

The Cobham graduate hasn’t featured in enough games in a row without suffering an injury. James, who picked up a knee injury last season, underwent surgery, which kept him out for a few months.

He was then sidelined before the end of last season, and once again, the right-back sustained another injury in the first game of this campaign and is now nearing a return.

The Blues are apprehensive about his repeated injuries, too, as he hasn’t played nearly enough games and should be spending more time on the field now that he’s been designated the team’s captain for the current campaign.

Of course, there will be a time when Chelsea will have to start making tough decisions if James’ injuries don’t go away, and pundit Alejandro Moreno has given a verdict on the England international’s constant injuries (h/t Football.London)

“By definition, an MVP is the most valuable player, and in order to be a player, you have to be on the field. It’s not a situation in which I disagree with Sam in regard to the value of Reece James when he’s on the field. But if he is watching from the stands, then he has no use for me. He does nothing for me if I’m a Chelsea player or if I’m part of the Chelsea coaching staff or the front office.”

Pundit says Reece James' constant injuries can decrease his value for Chelsea. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Pundit says Reece James’ constant injuries can decrease his value for Chelsea. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

These are two distinct things because Reece James, our modern right-back, makes a substantial contribution to both offence and defence while he is on the pitch. He has a boatload of talent, making him the most crucial player for us. No one has been able to fill in at James’ right-back position convincingly since he was promoted to the senior team.

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But his injuries are a major concern for us because if they don’t stop, then we will have to make a decision. His future could be in danger given that we cannot keep an injury-prone player. Hopefully, we never get into this situation because of how fundamental James is.