Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LONG WAY TU GO
Tuchel: Reece has the potential to be an important player but his development is far from finished
THOMAS TUCHEL says Reece James is “far from” being the finished article.
Chelsea wing-back James, 21, has been outstanding this season with four goals and four assists, which has made him a first choice for club and country.
He has quickly become a player for all positions as he can play in Tuchel’s back three system, step up into midfield and has played as a traditional centre-half.
But Tuchel (with James, top) has warned that it is vital the England star does not let all the hype go to his head and he keeps his feet on the ground rather than listen to him being tagged “as the best in Europe.”
Chelsea boss Tuchel said: “For me, I see no reason why we should now get carried away and think about things like, ‘Is he the best in the world, the best in England or the best in Europe?’ This does not help us.
I’m happy when he tries to be the best Reece James today in training.
“If he plays he needs to be the best version of himself in the best position.
“He can play in a back three, as a wing-back and for England he played in a midfield position.
“He is improving. He takes responsibility and it is needed. He is far from finished in his development.
“He has all the potential to be a big and important player for Chelsea. He is on his way.
“Not more and obviously not less. I feel him dedicated and hungry for more. This is what we want.
“Right now he plays as a wing-back. He does this on a very high level.”
James has blossomed for England despite the competition as no other country has such strength in depth in the right back slot with Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-arnold (all below) also playing for their clubs at the highest level.
But James’ influence is growing for Chelsea as he is becoming a key man on a weekly basis and will be vital as they look to gain revenge on Juventus for defeat in Turin, clinch qualification but also finish top of their group.
Tuchel is desperate to win but insisted they cannot lose their discipline.
He added: “Firstly and foremost we do what we do when we play football games, we try to win them. “OK, late in the game if the scoresheet is a draw we will maybe not allow Edou Mendy to go in the opponent’s box when we have a late corner because we will not risk our qualification to go all in if the situation is like this.”