Thomas Tuchel describes his full backs as more wingers than defenders, and when watching them play you can see why.
Although Tuchel on the whole has made Chelsea a very solid team and difficult to score against, the role of wing backs in his system are predominantly more about attacking than they are defending, especially when you see them playing very narrow almost in the 10 role.
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It’s very much attacking first and then defending second, which really does make a joke of the claims that Tuchel’s Chelsea are defensive.
Of course, like I said, he has made Chelsea very solid defensively, but his wing backs in recent games have been the difference in the attacking third, and Reece James has really been unleashed in that role.
It’s almost like releasing him from his defensive responsibilities a little more has given him more of a free role, a chance to roam, a chance to attack, and more opportunities to do what he does best, cross and create with his beautiful right foot. He’s also been popping up with some very important goals.
When a player has such a great shot from distance as James has, you really don’t want him stuck in our own half and not entering the final third. So what Tuchel has done with James and his position has really elevated him and his form.
He is now in the best form of his life playing in a more advanced role, and he agrees with that himself.
He’s been told basically to go out there an express himself, and Chelsea are reaping the rewards.
