“Shoot or score”- In-form Chelsea defender hails Tuchel’s crucial impact on him this season

Interview: Ben Chilwell hails the impact of Thomas Tuchel on him and Reece James

Talking to BT Sport (h/t Footabll.London), Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell has praised the impact Thomas Tuchel has had on this side since he was appointed as manager last season.

Chilwell along with fellow full-back Reece James has been a revelation for the Blues this season. The duo’s performance has been consistently on the rise since the season has started.

Both the full-backs have not only helped the west Londoners while defending but they have been more than creative while going forward and helping the team’s attackers.

James has scored four and assisted four in the Premier League already – which is just amazing keep in mind that his main job is to defend. On the other hand Chilwell and three goals and an assist to his name.

Despite having big names like Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in their arsenal – the Blues’ highest and second-highest goal scorer season so far are James and Chilwell respectively.

Before Chelsea’s match against Leicester, Chilwell praised Tuchel’s impact on him and James and said:

“He’s massive on that. He gets onto us and is very demanding in training. He’s big on us getting those runs in behind. Before the season I didn’t really shoot or score so he’s brought that into my game.”

“He doesn’t want us to be static and easy to mark. He wants us to constantly have a run in behind or if the number 10 is wide, that we’re in the pocket. Just being difficult to play against.”

More Chelsea News

• Brad Friedel believes Chelsea will have concerns given Christian Pulisic injury record
• Xavi is keen to sign Chelsea defenders Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta
• Thomas Tuchel claims there is room for improvement despite defeating Leicester City 3-0

The pair was once again brilliant during the European champions 3-0 win against Leicester on Saturday. The Chelsea duo provided one assist apiece against Leicester which helped their team consolidate their position on top of the table.