Tuchel praises Chelsea forward’s ‘contribution to the high press’ despite struggles in front of goal | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel has praised the ‘contribution to the high press’ of Chelsea’s forwards despite their struggles in front of goal this season.

Chelsea are top of the Premier League following a strong start to the season, though have seen their goals shared across the team with 15 of their 41 goals scored in all competitions coming from defenders.

The European champions have drawn successive home fixtures with Burnley and Manchester United and, ahead of this week’s clash with Watford, Tuchel has been discussing his side’s forward threat.

Reece James is the west Londoner’s leading scorer with five goals across all competitions, the wing-back having outscored both Romelu Lukaku (4) and Timo Werner (3), though both have had spells on the sideline through injury.

Tuchel’s side enjoyed 66 per cent possession against Michael Carrick’s side, registering 24 attempts on goal, though were once again wasteful, though the German defended his forward player’s all-round workrate.

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“They try hard. Their contribution to the high press is immense, we can see that in the data,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference.

“So maybe they don’t arrive full relaxed, maybe they breathe hard and that costs us some precision. But we have scored many goals before.

“It’s a good sign that we are not happy with a draw against Man United. They have the quality to score for us. It’s for us to bring them into positions that it’s possible for them to score and to do this as often as possible.”

Tuchel also provided a fitness update on his squad and says Romelu Lukaku is progressing well following his ankle injury, though confirmed that Ben Chilwell, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante will all miss the trip to Vicarage Road.

“Romelu is easy. He came on and continues to train. No reaction from his ankle. He is ready to progress in minutes,” he said. “For sure out is Chilly, Kova and N’Golo. We have some doubts of players, more time and examinations.

“Reece James, Jorgi and Timo. They all trained today but there will be some last-minute decisions.”

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