“He lacks rhythm” – Tuchel on Chilwell after his heroics against West Ham

Thomas Tuchel opens up on Ben Chilwell after Chelsea vs West Ham United

Speaking in the press conference after Chelsea’s 2-1 win over West Ham United (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel talked about the fitness and rhythm of Ben Chilwell, who starred in the game after coming on from the bench.

The England wing-back scored a fantastic goal minutes after coming on to equalise the game. Then, in the 88th minute, his overlapping run and a perfect cross was met by Kai Havertz for the winning goal of the game.

It is clear that the arrival of Chilwell changed the game in favour of Chelsea, who struggled to create much through wide areas before that. The advantage of having the 25-year-old on the pitch is that not only he is a great crosser of the ball, but a goal threat at the back post.

Talking about his fitness, rhythm and more, here’s Tuchel (h/t Football.London):

Fitness, I think he has the full fitness he can have from training and pre-season matches. Of course, he can feel fitter and be fitter if he is playing in consecutive Premier League matches. In my opinion, he lacks rhythm and a bit of feeling from the game. This is what I see in training. The player always thinks he is ready, and I think there are some things still missing.

Chilwell picked up a nasty ACL injury in December of last season, which kept him out of action for the second half of last season. He came back in pre-season and toured with the team, but hasn’t been able to return to full match fitness yet.

However, if the substitute cameo impact goes by, it was near perfect from the Englishman against West Ham. He looked back to his best with regards to making runs in behind and being decisive on and off the ball.

Here’s Tuchel talking about the 25-year-old’s favourite position (h/t Football.London):

In my view, the wing-back position is his best position: he gives energy, runs, and deliveries. So I am very happy because these things need to happen more than any talk or session with me. He must feel it and experience being decisive back on the pitch.

Games will come thick and fast now with the Champions League starting next week onwards. There would be opportunities for Chilwell to start games, build up his match rhythm and get back to being the first-choice left wing-back in the team.

More Chelsea News:

• Thiago Silva wanted Lucas Paqueta to sign for Chelsea instead of West Ham United
• Transfer News: Chelsea to return for Edson Alvarez in January
• Thomas Tuchel rates the business done by Chelsea in the summer window

After the win over West Ham, Chelsea face Dinamo Zagreb away in Croatia in their opening European game. That game will be followed by a London derby against Fulham away at Craven Cottage next weekend.