Xabi Alonso delighted to have ‘quality’ Reece James back

Having been a member of England’s squad which finished third at this summer’s World Cup, James only returned to training earlier this week.

So Alonso has now had the chance to work with him on the pitches at Cobham, and see him in action from the touchline during a match. Our manager is well placed to outline the qualities James brings to the side.

Reece's teasing cross set up Joao Pedro's first goal against Real Sociedad

‘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 player to return to training this week. Like our skipper, new signings Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers got an hour against Sociedad, with the latter opening the scoring in Saturday’s sunny victory in SW6.