Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea tactics questioned ahead of huge Reece James decision for Arsenal clash

Former England and Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has questioned Thomas Tuchel ’s decision to play Chelsea defender Reece James at centre-back, labelling the decision as “strange”. It comes following the England international’s return from injury, playing in a back three rather than his usual wing-back role.

Discussing the choice of the manager, Robinson told Football Insider: “It is a strange one because he gives you so much going forward. What he gives you in regards to his delivery, dribbling and range of passing far outweighs what you get from him at centre-half.

“The only rationale I can think of is that Tuchel possibly doesn’t think Azpilicueta is physical enough to be a centre-half in that game. There was going to be an aerial threat from Palace [in the FA Cup semi-final] and maybe Tuchel took that into consideration.

The Chelsea players Thomas Tuchel will be without for visit of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta

“Moving forward, Chelsea need to get Reece James in more advanced positions on that right-hand side.” Tuchel faces a similar selection dilemma when his side play London rivals Arsenal tonight (Wednesday).

James has often been most effective down the right flank, playing there 19 times in the Premier League this season. His early season form, which also saw him chipping in with goals, was a key part of the Blues’ quick rise to league leaders in the campaign.

A number of injuries have struck him down over the course of the year though, with his most recent one being an aggravation of a previous injury he suffered that kept him out for longer. Due to this, Tuchel has been keen to use him at centre-back in the past few games as it is “less physically demanding”.

Speaking in his pre-match press