Reece James is very good
Jose Mourinho once said that with an XI of Cesar Azpilicuetas, he would be able to win the Champions League. With Reece James, that might actually be true. The wing-back once again showed his quality and often found himself in a centre midfield role and as an out-and-out winger when Azpilicueta replaced Christian Pulisic at Stamford Bridge.
James appears to have outstanding quality anywhere on the pitch but is truly one of the best in the world in his wing-back role. Describing his assist to Marcos Alonso as a cross doesn't do it justice with the precision the 22-year-old defender provided for his teammate.
The 2021/22season has seen James has acquire more goal contributions than in his previous two terms combined, while, as per Opta, his eight assists in the Premier League has been the best effort for Chelsea by a player 22 or under in a single campaign since Eden Hazard. A slightly niche fact but impressive nevertheless.
Even in comparison to his highly esteemed rivals James is performing to a very high standard. The former Wigan loanee's 13 goal contributions in the Premier League leave him sandwiched between Trent Alexander-Arnold on 14 and Andy Robertson on 12. Taking into account the significant time James spent on the sidelines, that is even more impressive.
James produce a goal contribution every 137 minutes in the Premier League compared to 204 minutes for Robertson and 175 minutes for Alexander-Arnold. Impressive stuff.
READ MORE: Chelsea vs Leicester City highlights: Marcos Alonso goal levels match to seal third place
Marcos Alonso isn't Ben Chilwell
While James once again proved himself to be the full package, Marcos Alonso served a reminder of how conflicting his performances can be. The Spaniard produced an exceptional finish from his teammate's pass but his strike does not come without the baggage of his role in Leicester's goal and Thomas Tuchel's far from happy reaction.
His inaction as Timothy Castagne ran on to Kasper Schmeichel's long pass before an unfortunate deflection off Antonio Rudiger fell to the feet James Maddison could only invoke frustration. Whether it was a lack of focus in the early stages of a match that was unlikely to count for much in the grand scheme, or a sign of Alonso's defensive deficiency - it was below the standard Chelsea will need if they hope to progress from this season.
Absence may make the heart grow fonder but it is difficult not to accept that Ben Chilwell is nearer an equal to the qualities James exhibits. The former Leicester star returned to first team training this week and will return early for pre-season training. Chilwell has started just four league matches with James in 2021/22 and it's hard to think that won't be an area to aid Chelsea's league assault next season.
Nevertheless, Alonso's attacking prowess has been very valuable. The 31-year-old has picked up four goals and five assists of his own in the Premier League, and often shown a more clinical edge than the Blues' forward players.
Tuchel said following the Leicester clash: "It's the story of the season, we need an assist from a wing-back and a goal from a wing-back. You can see the numbers of our offensive players and the numbers [from the offensive players] that are in front of us."
Wing-backs are crucial in Tuchel's system and an improvement in that area will improve the team, but it will not necessarily be able to cover or make up for misses such as Christian Pulisic's in the second half.
Thomas Tuchel and Thiago Silva
At 37 years old and following playing 120 minutes in the FA Cup final, Thiago Silva was once again found a place in Thomas Tuchel's starting XI. The Brazilian continues to defy belief and picked up his 50th Premier League start, only Kelvin Davies and Kevin Moran have reached the same mark Silva's senior.
It's little wonder that Tuchel embraced the defender at the end of the 90 minutes, and it appears Silva shares the affection as the ex-PSG ace buried his head into the coach's chest. The defender has more than earned his way into Chelsea hearts but has appeared an increasingly important figure over the course of the season.
With the Blues on the horizon of summer turnover and a rebuild, the value of Silva will only continue to increase off the pitch and against Leicester, his value on the pitch still made itself clear. While Chelsea celebrated Alonso's goal and the players then returned to their positions, Silva was on the sideline locked in deep discussions with Tuchel over the best way to move forward and relaying his frustrations. The veteran was not wearing the captain's armband but he nevertheless gives the sense of being the German coach's general.
Hopefully the Blues can find the quality to make next season a nicer transition for the former Milan ace, but for now he's shown he is more than up for the task and rigours of regular football.
