2. The gift that keeps on giving
From Thiago Silva’s 28th-minute, goal-line clearance to Reece James’ belter that doubled his side’s lead in the 55th-minute, Chelsea’s defense can seemingly do it all. On the defensive side of things, Chelsea’s record under Tuchel is nothing less than incredible. Tuesday marked the German coach’s 50th game in charge and in this period, his side have recorded 31 clean sheets, conceding only 24 goals in the process. Keeping in mind the amount of rotation that goes on in the side, the system and structure that Tuchel has implemented deserves an immense amount of credit.
This season, Chelsea’s defenders have taken advantage of their defensive solidarity as a unit to further add a certain attacking prowess to their game. Reece James’ goal against Juventus marks his 10th direct goal contribution this season in all competition, a feat he has managed in just 11 starts. Add to that Chilwell’s 3 goals and 1 assist, Trevor Chalobah’s 3 goals and Antonio Rudiger’s 2 goals and 1 assist, Chelsea’s defenders have accounted for 37% of Chelsea’s 43 goals scored this season. During periods when the team’s forwards have missed games through illness or injury, Chelsea’s defenders have proved an effective substitute source of goals. Crucially, the backline’s ability to contribute offensively has been a sustained trend throughout the season and once again can be accredited to Tuchel’s system and tactics.
Chelsea’s development in the 301 days that Tuchel has been in charge has been impressive and nowhere has this been more evident than in the improvements that have been made to the team’s backline. It is upon this platform that Chelsea will undoubtedly soar to even greater heights this season.