Thomas Tuchel has upped the game quality of many of his players – introducing innovative methods in training and employing new formations that allow players to express themselves more freely. Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic showed signs of brilliance in attack.
But it has been the defensive record that has impressed more than most and Reece James has been an ever-present presence in Tuchel’s squad. He has missed just one match in 14 under Tuchel – the German’s debut day stalemate against Wolves.
In an exclusive with Chelsea TV, he hailed club captain Cesar Azpilicueta as a significant influence in the team for him. When asked how it is playing alongside Azpilicueta in defence, James said:
“He’s been at the club for a number of years and is a club legend. Playing in front of him is great and knowing I’ve got him behind me is a very good feeling as well. I always feel safe and secure on the pitch.
Ever since I came into the senior squad, right from the start, he’s always been supporting and helping and guiding me and he still does that now.”
James has developed an advanced role in Tuchel’s 3-5-2, transforming from a traditional right back to a wing-back capable of making bursting runs to supports the attack. But he said it has taken ‘getting used to’ to experience the captain and his companions overlap him.
“It’s taken a little bit of getting used to, to be fair. I’m not used to my centre-backs running past me, but I’ve played enough and it’s become normal now,” he said.
James has developed into a star this season, both at the club and international level. This season, he has appeared regularly in the Blue shirt – with one goal and five assists in 31 appearances. (transfermarkt)
