Reece James revelation proves Tuchel already has Chelsea's own Smith Rowe and Foden to call on

It reflects how influential Reece James has been at Chelsea this season that his best-attacking stats rank alongside rival Premier League players who play further up the pitch.

After scoring Chelsea's first and assisting the third goal against Burnley on his league return last month, James became the only defender in Europe's top five leagues to have more than five goals and assists this season.

The latest stat of note only further proves his attacking threat which Thomas Tuchel will hope to fully unleash in the remaining weeks of this season as Chelsea hope to secure a Champions League qualification spot before May.

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As noted by WhoScored, Reece James has played a direct hand in 11 goals in 17 Premier League matches this season. That's as many as Emile Smith Rowe (in 24 apps) and more than Phil Foden (10 in 21 appearances).

This stat is not that shocking given his incredible form in the earlier parts of this season, combined with his opposite wingback Ben Chilwell to help tear Premier League defences apart during the autumn.

Given these creative numbers, it will be of great regret to Thomas Tuchel that James has only played 17 of Chelsea's 28 games in the league so far, demonstrating how seriously key injuries have affected the German's plans.

Both Smith-Rowe and Foden are key creative forces for their respective teams, operating either as forwards or attacking midfielders whilst James, a wingback, has more defensive responsibilities and dominates one side of the pitch.

Putting the frustrating injury woes for the 20-year-old to