Thomas Tuchel's mouth-watering tactical invention took Chelsea within touching distance of a Champions League semi-final. Karim Benzema guided Real Madrid to a 5-4 aggregate win over the Blues, despite returning to Cobham 3-2 victors on the night.
Chelsea's plan revolved around nullifying the Spanish giants' star-studded strike force. And, a key cog in the west London side's machine was Reece James, who replaced Andreas Christensen on the right of a back-three.
The Denmark international struggled to keep his head above the water when Vinicius Jr ran riot in the first leg. While it meant that the Blues sacrificed an element of James' prowess in the final third, Tuchel's side was able to neutralise the Brazil international to near-perfect effect.
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Despite James' efforts, Carlo Ancelotti's side eventually found the breakthrough down the right-hand side when Eduardo Camavinga intercepted Thiago Silva's stray pass. Los Blancos dispossessed Chelsea when the Cobham graduate found himself — through no fault of his own — hugging the touchline and beyond that of Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid quickly launched a counter-attack; the Brazilian galloped to the byline before pulling back a wonderfully lofted cross into the path of Benzema who nodded his effort beyond Edouard Mendy. Speaking on BT Sport after the tie, Rio Ferdinand hailed James.
"The goal that has brought the game level is the only time Reece James has not been in front of Vinicius Junior," the former Manchester United defender said. "And he picks out Benzema, who has been on the peripheral this game. One chance, one goal, that's it.
"This was the first time during the whole game that you saw Vinicius Junior running at someone else other than Reece James," Ferdinand added. "What I love about his involvement in the goal is his patience. He is patient, waiting, waiting and waiting, and when you look at his eyes, the only person he is looking for is Benzema. That is the only person he wants to pass the ball to."
James performed admirably on the right of Chelsea's back-three, prompting a discourse ahead of the summer transfer window. If Tuchel is to make the 22-year-old a permanent feature in said position, then prospective club owners should make it their mission to reignite interest in Achraf Hakimi.
The west London side lodged an official bid of £56.1m for the Moroccan in June, as reported by Sky Sports, before eventually losing out to Paris Saint-Germain. Hakimi has since decided that he wants to leave Les Parc des Princes less than 12 months after joining, according to journalist Daniel Riolo on the 'After Foot show' on French radio RMC.
Tuchel could utilise James' strengths in the '2017 Cesar Azpilicueta role' while also operating Hakimi at wing-back instead of a makeshift alternative. While there may be more important problems this summer, providing elite cover gives Tuchel a major boost.
