Thomas Tuchel has been asked about his team selection today, and he came up with some interesting answers that reveal what his plans are for taking on Madrid tonight.
Reece James has been picked on the right hand side, and Tuchel explained that to BT Sport just before kick off. He said that James was there to “control and match” Vinicius.
He should be a much better match than Andreas Christensen, who went up against him last week.
Let’s be honest though, James would be playing no matter who his opposite number is.
Thomas Tuchel:
"Reecey to control and match Vinicius. Ruben in a role, a hybrid role like Southampton. We will see."
[via @btsportfootball]
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) April 12, 2022
Overall the formation looks like a 4141 with Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the base of midfield, but Tuchel called it a “hybrid role.”
As far as we understand it, that means RLC will be dropping in to the back line as a third centre back when Madrid have the ball, but able to move forward with the midfield when Chelsea push forward.
