Chelsea’s Reece James is happy to play in any position and provide versatility and quality for Thomas Tuchel to utilise in 2022-23.
Coming off the back of a fantastic season, despite injury problems, wing-back James will be hoping to remain as one of Tuchel’s most dependable players heading into the new campaign.
Last year, James was exceptional going forward and did not put a foot wrong defensively, he registered five goals and nine assists in just 26 appearances in the Premier League for the Blues.
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Currently the 22-year-old is in the United States for Chelsea’s pre-season tour and has appeared in both of the games.
Apart from scoring an unfortunate own goal in the opening game against Club America, James put in a solid display against Charlotte FC, keeping a clean sheet during his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Pre-season is a vital time for players to build fitness in preparation for the new season, and for the Englishman it could be even more important as he is coming off the back of a hindered year due to injury.
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Speaking to the official Chelsea website, James shared: “Pre-season is obviously an important time to get fit and it helps a lot, preparing right for the new season.
"We know there’s going to be a stoppage halfway through for the World Cup and it’s going to be a bit different with a lot more games so we need to prepare right.”
While he still was incredibly impressive last year, the Blues will not want to be without the services of James as the period both he and teammate Ben Chilwell were out, the team struggled.
The two England internationals were standout players in the opening months of last season and should Tuchel continue with the 3-4-3 system, they will comfortably be the first choice picks at wing-back.
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However, James has also shown that he is extremely versatile across the back-line, switching into a central role previously, which could be seen again.
His adaptability even extends to where he can play in a midfield role, which was a common position for him in the youth team.
When talking about his best position, he stated: “I don’t really look or listen to any of that, wherever I’m asked to play, I’ll do my best and try to help the team as much as I can.”
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He continued: “I personally prefer to play wing-back out of the two positions but Thomas is the manager and I’m the player, so wherever I’m required to play, I’ll always play.
“I’ve played a number of positions before and I’m used to it now so it is just about adapting on the day.”
James will be hoping to be an integral cog of Chelsea’s new look defence following additions in the summer transfer window.
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The signing of Jules Kounde is reportedly close after Barcelona have ‘given up’ their pursuit and the Blues have already acquired Kalidou Koulibaly to strengthen the back-line after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Topics: Reece James, Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Football
Sam Collins