Enzo Maresca saw Reece James as a midfielder 'since day one' as Chelsea boss reveals long-term plan behind captain's new position following win against Copenhagen

James scored a superb long-range goal against Copenhagen in the Conference League as the Blues won 2-1 in the first leg of their last-16 clash. He played as a number six throughout the 90 minutes, instead of his usual right-back position.

Now Maresca has claimed that he told James he saw him as a midfielder as soon as he was appointed Chelsea manager, and has revealed his delight at seeing a long-term plan come to fruition.

Maresca told reporters: "So, you can ask Reece; when I signed with Chelsea, probably the day after, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder. I see Reece as a midfielder, not now - since day one, before I met him for the first time, he was on holiday. I sent him a clip about him playing as a midfielder.

"I mentioned Reece playing as a midfielder a long time ago. He is playing there now but the good thing is he played this year already as a full-back, as a centre-back and in the central midfielder. The main target for us is to help him be fit all season."

Chelsea play Leicester on Sunday in the Premier League before the second leg against Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge next week.