Reece James: Pundit baffled by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel after ‘strange’ development
Paul Robinson is baffled by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to play Reece James at centre-half and Cesar Azpilicueta at right wing-back.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League goalkeeper said James’ “delivery, dribbling and range of passing far outweighs” his defending.
The 22-year-old started as a right-sided centre-half on Sunday as Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup final with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Azpilicueta started outside of James, even though he has vast experience of playing as a centre-back.
James also started as a centre-half in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Real Madrid on 12 April.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if the right-back was wasted in such a position, Robinson said:
“It is a strange one because he gives you so much going forward. What he gives you in regards to his delivery, dribbling and range of passing far outweighs what you get from him at centre-half.
“The only rational I can think of is that Tuchel possibly doesn’t think Azpilicueta is physical enough to be a centre-half in that game. There was going to be an aerial threat from Palace and maybe Tuchel took that into consideration.
“Moving forward Chelsea need to get Reece James in more advanced positions on that right-hand side.”
James has impressed this season despite injury problems.
He has contributed six goals and seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.
In other news, it can be revealed Tottenham are racing to sign a Chelsea star amid behind-the-scenes Daniel Levy reveal.