Rio Ferdinand has described the impact of Chelsea player Reece James as “ridiculous” this season.
James, 21, has been directly involved in more goals this campaign than anyone else in the Blues squad.
The England international has four goals and three assists in just 11 appearances.
Thomas Tuchel’s system at Stamford Bridge relies on the wing-backs to be heavily involved in the opposition’s half, which is why right full-back James has had so much success.
The Chelsea academy graduate scored his third and fourth Premier League goals of the season at the weekend during the 3-0 away win at Newcastle United. First of all, he powered in a left-footed finish after taking the ball down superbly in the box. Afterwards, he hit a sweet half-volley on his favoured right foot into the back of the net.
Ferdinand is amazed by the youngster’s impact this season:
“The most important thing which will please Tuchel more than anything is they’ve done it without Lukaku, and they’ve done it without Werner… Reece James banging in [goals]. He’s got the most goal involvements at Chelsea this season. It’s ridiculous,” Ferdinand said.
Chelsea need James in the XI
Surprisingly, James is not a guaranteed starter every week.
The right wing-back offers so much going forward, though, that Tuchel has to start him in every Premier League match moving forward.
It means club captain Cesar Azpilicueta must play at centre-back or sit on the bench, but James has to be in the main XI because of what he offers going forward.
His defensive game continues to improve all the time. He’s strong, quick and aggressive with his back to goal.
Meanwhile, he’s such a good attacking outlet. He’s adding goals alongside his superb delivery from the flank.
Jason Cundy recently claimed he thinks James still has a lot more to offer.
Group effort
Chelsea’s unorthodox approach this season is working a treat.
Not one player in the squad has hit five goals yet, but they are still winning games by spreading the goals out.
Romelu Lukaku (four) will surely start chalking up the goals when fit again, but it’s superb to see so many individuals contributing.
James and Ben Chilwell have seven goals between them already this campaign, which proves how important wing-backs are.
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