Which players impressed as Chelsea draw Graham Potter’s opener
Reece James
There are not many words in the dictionary that can describe how valuable a player James is to this Chelsea side. With a new long-term contract signed, James flew up the right side of the pitch, creating chances, and whipping in dangerous crosses for the forward players to feed on. His run and chemistry with Mount on the right wing led to the goal for Raheem Sterling just minutes into the second half. James’ quickness, touch on the ball, and strength in both the attack and defense make him arguably the first-choice for England at right-back heading into the World Cup.
The England defender is not afraid to take on defenders, and help revive this lifeless attack that looked much better against Salzburg back on the score sheet more regularly. He collected the most crosses on the team with seven, and the third most passes against the Red Bulls, dicing through the defense and pushing the Blues forward with purpose. His creativity and confidence with the ball at his feet make James such a critical player for Potter and the direction of this team for the rest of the season. His defensive solidity combined with the crossing that he continues to provide each game more than justify a new six-year deal that makes him the fourth highest-paid player on the roster.
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Draws can be looked at in many ways, and while the Blues sit at the bottom of Group E after two matches of the Champions League group stage, the attitude around the team seemed to have shifted. The makings of what could be a thrilling era of Chelsea Football under Potter are there, it is just about laying that foundation now so that results will slowly begin to add up. Giving up a late equalizing goal deflates what was otherwise a dominating outing at Stamford Bridge for the west London side. Some may say it’s the same old story, and maybe it is, but it is difficult to ignore the progression of the team from its first Champions League performance this season to the one that was put together the second time around.