OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) Following his outstanding performance, Thomas Tuchel lavished praise on Reece James, highlighting his “highest quality” after James’s stunning free-kick helped England secure a 3-0 victory over Latvia.
Thomas Tuchel claimed he is a player of the “highest quality”.
England manager Thomas Tuchel discusses Reece James’ performance and possibilities of him featuring in midfield for the Three Lions after Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca claimed he sees James as more of a midfielder than a right-back
James was a surprise inclusion in Tuchel’s first England squad but excelled when given the chance after curling in his free-kick to break the deadlock on Monday evening, in his first England start in two-and-a-half years, three days after climbing off the bench against Albania.
The 25-year-old has been used sparingly by Chelsea this season, only starting 10 games across all competitions as they continue to monitor his return from injury having missed 60 games across the last two seasons, but received the call-up to work with his former Blues boss with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured.
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“There cannot be any doubt about Reece’s quality, it’s the highest level,” said Tuchel following his performance in the World Cup qualifier vs Latvia. “We were in close contact in the last weeks.
“We were clear he’d trained without pause and if he didn’t play it was the choice of the club, protecting him. We knew he was in a good space mentally.
James’ quality shines through when you consider how versatile he can be at the highest level.
The Chelsea captain has operated as a defensive midfielder on three occasions in the top-flight this season but when Tuchel was asked about whether or not this could be trialled on the international stage, he admitted it might not be best suited to his playing style.
Tuchel continued: “If you play a dominant match like today he can be, like in the last 20 [minutes], a hybrid midfielder and help to create an overload because he has the quality on the ball.
“Once it’s an open game and a lot of transitions through midfield I’m not so sure it would suit him perfectly.” He concluded.
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