Reece James started England’s opening World Cup win over Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel now giving us a bit of insight into what he’s seeing from the Chelsea defender.
Chelsea had a very disappointing campaign, but that didn’t put Thomas Tuchel off from calling Reece James up to his World Cup squad.
Domestically, the 26-year-old James managed an impressively consistent 44 appearances across all competitions, despite suffering with a late-season hamstring injury that threatened to derail his year entirely, adding to the persistent, frustrating narrative surrounding his fitness.
However, things are looking up for the defender on the international stage. After missing out on the 2022 tournament, he’s been reunited with his former Chelsea manager and successfully made his tournament debut, playing the full 90 minutes in a 4-2 opening victory over Croatia.
What are your thoughts on the Enzo Maresca and Man City saga?
Thomas Tuchel sees a change in Reece James
In a passage from The Telegraph, Thomas Tuchel has been talking up Chelsea defender Reece James, including his versatility and new-found hunger whilst away with England.
“Reece had his injury, unfortunately for him and unfortunately for Chelsea. But you can see now, he’s actually reaching a kind of sweet spot of excitement and hunger, and joy to be back on the pitch.
“He can produce special moments any time. He has the body to defend at the highest level and the physicality. So it’s a full package. He gives us flexibility because he plays many times for Chelsea as a [number] six, so he is a candidate to play there as well. Right full-back is his main position for us, but he stays and is an alternative in the middle of the pitch.”
What role would make sense for John Terry at Chelsea? Or is he getting ahead of himself?😬
Reece James should stick to full-back for Chelsea
Under Xabi Alonso, Reece James should primarily operate as an inverted right-back for Chelsea, which allows him to naturally drift into midfield during build-up play.
Being at right full-back remains his natural home, but his exceptional passing range makes him a highly effective option in central areas. Thomas Tuchel and Enzo Maresca have both successfully weaponised this positional fluidity, utilising James as a number six to dictate tempo and dominate midfield battles.
It’s the best of both worlds, allowing James to utilise his crossing ability from the flank while providing defensive cover in the engine room.
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