Having represented England at this summer's World Cup, James returned to Cobham at the start of last week to begin working with Alonso as our preparations for the forthcoming campaign continued.

The 26-year-old featured in midfield during our final pre-season friendly of the summer – a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge – and will be in contention to play in our Premier League opener at Fulham on Monday evening.

The Blues manager has the option to use James centrally in a back three, as well as at full-back, wing-back, or in central midfield. Yet whichever role the England international is handed in the weeks and months ahead, the quality of our skipper is undiminished.

‘He's flexible in his game, but he needs to feel important,’ said Alonso. ‘I think that's the main thing. Not just because of the role he has as a captain, but also because of the quality he gives to the rest of the team.

‘Wherever he plays, as a right-back or as a midfielder, normally he makes the team better because of his quality, because of his game intelligence, his experience, his composure with the ball.

‘So it's good that we have players that can play in different positions, not just him, other players as well.

‘I see him in a good mood, in a good mindset. For sure, the club means so much to him, and we want to have a good start, a fresh start with good momentum, and that's why the start is so important on Monday.’