During the Abramovich era, Chelsea have been somewhat defined by their ‘hire and fire’ mentality.
In order to stay in the job, Blues managers have favoured experienced players to achieve success in the short-term.
This approach has led to regular trophy wins, but the club’s youngsters have been the big losers.
Despite consistently high levels of talent emerging from the academy, graduates continue to be farmed out on loan.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek faces being pushed further back in the pecking order by the imminent arrival of Leandro Paredes.
Meanwhile, Callum Hudson-Odoi is weighing up offers to leave the club following the signing of fellow winger Christian Pulisic.
In light of all this, Wigan loan star Reece James may not be a prospective player for Chelsea’s first team, but he does appear likely to forge a successful career.
This tactical analysis will shine a light on the flying full-back following his impressive start to life as a professional.
Who is Reece James?
Reece James joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of just seven.
Last season, he earned the club’s academy player of the season award, captaining his side to FA Youth Cup victory.
He has represented England up to the under-20 level and is expected to step up to the under-21 level before the end of the year.
Last summer saw him join Wigan Athletic on loan, where he has been earning rave reviews.
He won the Latics player of the month award three times in a row between September and November.
James has made 27 appearances in the Championship, scoring once and assisting another.
Reece James Underlapping runs
While he has the stamina to dominate the right flank consistently, James is not particularly quick.
What he lacks in pace, however, he makes up for in close control.
He regularly dribbles diagonally before playing a through-ball or a cross to the back post.
With the ability to bypass pressure, the young full-back can drive through more congested spaces in the centre.
By drawing opponents in, he often creates space further wide for his teammates to move into.
On average, he completes 2.76 dribbles per 90 minutes, with a success rate of 84.8%.
The images below illustrate James’ talent for carrying the ball forward via the half-spaces before picking out a teammate up front.
With the opponent blocking off his route for progression down the wings, he decides to dribble infield.
His teammate creates space by moving away from the play and taking a defender with him via an underlapping run.
Having bypassed the first opponent, the 19-year-old dribbles towards another defender.
This allows his teammate to escape and move into the space behind him.
With all the defenders on the last line engaged, the striker is open to receive from James.
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