Many Chelsea supporters may think that Reece James is the finished article at right-back, but there’s one important thing he’s missing.
Reece James was under the microscope during England’s gritty Group L encounter against Ghana in Boston. The national media was quick to scrutinise James’ offensive contribution, pointing out his heavily stop-start play on the ball, noting that he occasionally slowed down England’s transitions.
But, the most important part was the defensive side of things, where James kept things tight and gave arguably one of the best wingers in the Premier League, Antoine Semenyo, nothing to go off.
There’s now a big decision to make for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the Panama clash, especially after seeing Nico O’Reilly dropped after an impressive display against Croatia.
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Reece James needs to work on his attacking threat
Reece James’ recent performances for England have highlighted an urgent need to rediscover his trademark attacking threat and inject greater urgency. Once celebrated as one of the world’s most explosive full-backs, his recent displays have looked uncharacteristically cautious.
To truly excel under Thomas Tuchel, as Chelsea fans know, James must increase his involvement in the final third, driving into space and delivering crosses just like the one for O’Reilly’s chance.
Currently, his speed of play is holding England back; he is taking too many touches, slowing down transitions, and allowing opposition blocks to get comfortably set.
There is a distinct sense that James is playing with the handbrake on, almost looking scared to make a mistake or take the necessary risks. This over-cautious approach could stem from a psychological desire to protect his body after years of hamstring setbacks, resulting in safe, sideways passing rather than progressive, line-breaking passes.
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Xabi Alonso’s system will demand a change
If he plays at full-back in Xabi Alonso’s fluid system, James will be required to dramatically increase his desire to get the ball up the pitch.
He’ll have to process information much faster, completing one-touch combinations to break lines rather than taking stalling extra touches. James must also shed his over-caution, proactively taking risks in advanced areas to overload, as well as launching counter-attacks, like Bayer Leverkusen used to do.
Especially as Thomas Tuchel now says James is back to his normal self, he now just needs to show it on the pitch.
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