https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/11/23/
tuchel-on-why-there-s-more-to-come-from-james
Tuchel on why there's more to come from James
23 Nov 2021
Ahead of tonight's match against Juventus, Thomas Tuchel has discussed
Reece James's recent performances and how far the wing-back's potential
could still take him.
https://i.imgur.com/8kF7UhF.jpg
James impressed yet again in our last match, a 3-0 win away at Leicester
City in the Premier League on Saturday, and provided the assist for N'Golo
Kante to score our second at the King Power Stadium.
That took the England international's tally with Chelsea this season to
four goals and five assists, as he continues to excel at both ends of the
pitch on the right side of Tuchel's preferred 3-4-3 system.
However, our head coach insists he is not interested in a debate around
how James compares to other players in the same position elsewhere, and
just wants him to continue being the best player that he can be.
'Right now he plays as a wing-back and he does this on a very high level,'
said Tuchel.
https://i.imgur.com/ABsdvLy.jpg
James and his fellow Blues applaud the travelling fans in Leicester
'For me, I see no reason now why we should get carried away and think
about things like is he the best in the world, the best in England or the
best in Europe. These things, they do not help us.
'I am happy when he tries to be the best Reece James yesterday in training
and, if he plays, tonight on the pitch.'
The German also issued a reminder that it is not just at wing-back that he
views James as an important asset to his team, thanks to the versatility
we have seen from him in the past and which remains an important quality
for the future.
'If he plays he needs to be the best version of himself, in any position.
He can play in the back three, he can play as a wing-back, he played for
England in a midfield position, he did for us when we played at Aston
Villa last season.'
Due to the mature and assured performances the Academy graduate has
produced ever since returning from his successful loan at Wigan Athletic
in 2019, it is easy to forget that he remains relatively early in his
professional career and is still a couple of weeks short of his 22nd
birthday.
However, that fact isn't lost on Tuchel, as it is James' potential and
what he could still produce as he continues to develop that seems to
interest our head coach the most.
'He is improving, he takes responsibility and it is needed. He is far from
finished in his development, he is super young.
https://i.imgur.com/0xPSreX.jpg
James also set up the opening goal against Burnley, meaning he has two
assists in as many games
'He has all the potential to be a big and important player for Chelsea and
he's on his way. No more and obviously no less. I feel him dedicated and
hungry for more and this is what we want.'