Xabi Alonso’s era at Chelsea is underway and the Spaniard can’t wait for the new season to start.<\/p>\n
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Alonso began his new role at the start of the month and took his first training session last week.<\/p>\n
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Although some players were missing due to their participation in the World Cup, Alonso got hands on with the likes of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.<\/p>\n
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Things are looking positive early on with the 44-year-old relishing the chance to work with players he considers to be some of the best in the world, and that’s even more true for one star in particular.<\/p>\n
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Xabi Alonso thrilled to work with Reece James<\/h2>\n
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Reece James, who was named as the Blues’ captain three years ago, is preparing for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
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The 26-year-old could return to London in less than a week to a hero’s welcome, and Alonso might not be overly surprised after issuing him with some of the highest praise possible.<\/p>\n
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“He can do everything,”<\/strong><\/em> Alonso told Sky Sports.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “He can attack from inside or outside. He can deliver, he’s good at set-pieces, he has blue DNA, which is very important, and we transmit that to the whole team and new players. He’s going to be the captain.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n James has made 229 appearances for Chelsea having been promoted to the club’s first team from the Cobham academy in 2019. He has lifted four major trophies, including the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League and 2024-25 UEFA Conference League.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even though very few argue against James being the best right-back in the world on his day, no one can deny his biggest problem has always been his injury record.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The former Wigan loanee has suffered multiple hamstring setbacks throughout his senior career and that has been proven at this summer’s international tournament. James was not available for three matches for Thomas Tuchel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Because of this, Alonso must manage James’ minutes carefully, especially after he endured such a long campaign last season as well as a full summer away on international duty.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The 26-year-old will need an extended break when he returns with the Three Lions, and with Chelsea’s first Premier League match away to Fulham next month, fans could see new signing Marco Palestra make an earlier-than-expected debut.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The young Italian recently joined from Atalanta in a deal worth \u00a343 million and arrives with the potential of becoming one of Europe’s best young full backs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Follow<\/span>Minutes must be managed carefully<\/h2>\n
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