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Chelsea’s experimentation at wing-back seemingly overlooks Kenedy’s return

By George Perry

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Nathan Ake of Chelsea in action during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Nathan Ake of Chelsea in action during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea have little depth behind Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses as the starting wing-backs. Antonio Conte’s experimentation with substitute wing-backs is puzzling with Kenedy back at Stamford Bridge.

When either Marcos Alonso or Victor Moses are out of the lineup, Antonio Conte plays musical chairs to fill the wing-back slot. Pedro and Branislav Ivanovic started as wing-backs against Peterborough. Pedro scored a brace against the League One opponents, and followed that up with another goal as wing-back against Brentford in the next round.

Branislav Ivanovic came on as wing-back against Brentford, and scored his farewell goal minutes later. After Ivanovic’s goal, Kenedy took over as left wing-back for Nathan Ake, who returned to his usual centre-back. Kenedy did more as a wing-back in his 20 minutes on the pitch than Ake did in 70 minutes in that position.

Against Wolves, Conte started Pedro at left wing-back. Conte brought Pedro off shortly after he scored. Azpilicueta came on and took his usual spot in the back-line. Nathan Ake shifted up from left centre-back to left wing-back.

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Pedro now has four goals in three FA Cup ties as a wing-back. Chelsea’s lower-tier opponents in each game permit Pedro to play essentially as a winger, despite the team sheet saying he is a wing-back. Neither Peterborough, Brentford nor Wolves tested Pedro’s defensive abilities.

"Pedro’s positioning does not suit him. Chelsea does not utilize Pedro and the player he is as left wing-back. He got in great position for that goal but it took 65 minutes for that to happen. If given more attacking freedom and less defensive than he can do a lot better. – Rayna Sidhu, The Blue Lions"

Like Eden Hazard, Pedro is at his most prolific when he is free of defensive responsibilities. Against League One and Championship sides he can focus on the “winger” part of the job but is still constrained by the “back” part. A Premier League opponent would take full advantage of the defensive vulnerability of Pedro’s flank while neutralizing his offensive moves.

Having Pedro as a wing-back illustrates – rather than ameliorates – Chelsea’s shallowness at that position. Given the scarcity of wing-backs on the transfer market, Chelsea will likely stay in-house to develop depth.

Cesar Azpilicueta is the most likely player to emulate Victor Moses’ conversion to wing-back. He has proven his versatility along the back-line in his position changes so far. This season he has joined in the attack more often, indicating either his or Antonio Conte’s plan for the future. Azpilicueta may find more success and a more secure role in defensive midfield than wingback.

Nathan Ake is too important to the future of Chelsea’s defence to experiment with him at wing-back. Ake needs to be comfortable with Antonio Conte’s defensive system so Chelsea can play Ake, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma together at the first available opportunity.

Chelsea’s constant shuffling of the wing-back depth chart is puzzling given Kenedy’s demonstrated skill set and performances so far. He would require the least amount of (re)training to make him a Premier League-calibre wing-back. Kenedy has the speed, awareness and two-way play that defines the role. Yet much like Nathan Ake, he is back at Chelsea perhaps wondering why.

Next: Diego Costa, Eden Hazard feature in Chelsea's highs and lows against Swansea

Chelsea recalled Kenedy from his first-half loan and retained him for the second-half of the season. Presumably this is a sign of his place in Antonio Conte’s plans. Given the scarcity of wing-backs and the fragility of Chelsea’s depth at that position, Kenedy should be seeing more playing time to prepare for his future on Chelsea’s flank.

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