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Lampard suggests Chelsea starlet Reece James could play in midfield

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has suggested that young right-back Reece James has the ability to play in central midfield.

The talented teenager has impressed since being handed an opportunity under Lampard this season and was amongst Chelsea‘s best players during their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, the 19-year-old dealing admirably with the threat posed by Wilfried Zaha.

James also became the youngest Champions League goalscorer in the club’s history during the thrilling 4-4 draw with Ajax at Stamford Bridge, and will be hoping to establish himself as a first-team regular in Lampard’s exciting young side.

The academy graduate spent last season on loan at Wigan in the Championship, where he was often deployed in a midfield role.  The 19-year-old starred for Paul Cook’s side and claimed the club’s Player of the Year award, leading Lampard to believe it is a position which the youngster is more than capable of fulfilling.

“Right-back would be his favoured position,” Lampard said.

“Whether it be there, right wing-back or right of a three.

“As he’s coming into the team, you’d see him there but he does have that all-round game that he could handle playing centrally in midfield if needs be.

“At the moment we’ve got good players in there who are used to playing in there anyway, but he could always do that as he matures through his career.”

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