After Leicester’s draw, Tuchel finally identified Chelsea’s next Eden Hazard.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With his eighth assist of the Premier League season on Thursday night, Reece James equaled a record set by former Blues winger Eden Hazard.
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Leicester City in their last home game of the Premier League season on Thursday night. Marcos Alonso volleyed home James Maddison’s cross just before halftime to level the score. The England international has now matched Hazard’s record of eight assists in the English Premier League this season.
Due to the Blues’ far higher goal difference than Tottenham in the league table, Thomas Tuchel’s side clinched third place with a draw against the Foxes, having already secured Champions League membership for next season after a series of favorable results last week. With the contracts of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen expiring at the end of the season, James will be part of a new defensive unit next season.
James’ assist for Alonso’s equalizer gave him eight Premier League assists, the most by a Chelsea youth product in a single season since Hazard in 2012/13. The England international is equal for second in the division with Liverpool’s Andy Robertson (12) and Trent Alexander-13 Arnold’s goals and assists (14).
This season, James has shown that he can play at the top level on a continuous basis, and he continues to be a terrific outlet for the Blues, picking up clever positions while going forward to make the difference with his passing or finishing ability. James is fighting with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker for a starting spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team.
The 22-year-old has shown throughout the season that he can affect games on both ends of the field, with the endurance to defend and attack up and down the right side.
Tuchel will have to rebuild his defense this summer, but with James on the right flank and Ben Chilwell set to return on the left flank next season, the German manager can focus on strengthening the heart of the defense, knowing that he has talent at both wing-back positions for the foreseeable future.
