Tuchel: James’ best position is wing-back

Thomas Tuchel says Reece James may continue to be used a central defender in a back three despite his best position remaining at wing-back.

James – who missed the win over West Ham as a precaution but could return for tomorrow’s trip to Manchester United – has been utilised in the position of late instead of his usual wing-back spot.

“I would love to have two or three Reece James’. We would have the problem solved,” boss Tuchel said.

“It’s like 50 or 55%towards wing-back and 45% towards the back three.

“It depends also on how the opponent plays against us. Do we expect a lot of possession, how is their structure for offensive transitions?

“It can sometimes be very helpful for us if Reece plays in the back three to be the first guy to cover in the transitions and to not be involved in the attack so we have his speed and physicality and the protection from opponent’s counter-attacks.

“These are the thoughts about it but like I said, I’m leaning a bit more into his very best position is the wing-back position where he is maybe more decisive and more useful.

“But it’s more demanding and the next step is to be a regular player over 50, 55, 60 matches – from there we have to decide but both positions are top quality with him.”