'We are happy': Enzo Maresca praises Chelsea star after Newcastle draw

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on Reece James following the club's 2-2 Premier League draw against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The Blues were completely outplayed during the opening half on Tyneside and they could have easily conceded more than two goals.

However, they made a terrific comeback during the second half to level the scores, and could have won the game with the chances created.

Speaking after the 2-2 stalemate, Maresca was full of praise for James, who started the second-half comeback for the Blues with a fantastic free-kick in the 49th minute.

Maresca told reporters: "He was, once again, top performance. He played for an hour as a midfielder and for the last half an hour, he was as a full-back. We are happy for him."

With the stalemate, Chelsea remain fourth in the standings with 29 points and they are guaranteed to stay there, given their superior goal difference over the chasing pack.