It can mostly go without saying because it’s been so obvious, but Reece James has proven once again just how important wing-backs are to Thomas Tuchel’s system and more importantly, to the success of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
Since he arrived at Chelsea in his very first game, he used wing-backs and a three at the back formation, and ever since then, these wing-backs have become absolutely pinnacle to his success at the club.
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Not just any old wing-backs though, Reece James and Ben Chilwell, arguably two of the best top performing wing-backs in the world before they both got injured.
Then came the long-term injuries and Chelsea’s form dipped, this is far from any coincidence.
James proved on Saturday just how important he is to Chelsea and Tuchel, he was fantastic all game in the 4-0 win over Burnley and came up with a hugely important goal that he created and finished himself. Having just James back on the pitch for Chelsea is massive and improves them immensely, but having Chilwell back as well would improve them even more.
I truly believe that Chelsea’s 16 point gap from the top of the table would at the very least be halved if they didn’t lose both Chilwell and James through injuries. Their importance cannot be understated and Chelsea for me, would still be at the very least ‘in the title race’ now even though I still think Manchester City are clear of pretty much every other team in the world right now.
But I don’t think it’s an excuse when people say Chelsea have struggled due to injuries, because when you take out two quality players playing in absolute pinnacle positions for a certain system, you not only notice a difference, but you suffer.
The way Tuchel uses his wing-backs as extra forwards, or more like number 10s, then when you lose them and replace them with players who are not as good and do not have the same effect, the differences are clear for all to see.
