Victor Moses’ absence caused ripples across Chelsea’s lineup in the loss to Crystal Palace. The Blues must develop back-up options at wing-back lest they become too dependent on one player.
Victor Moses’ evolution as a wing-back may have gone a bit too far. Moses’ transition from a perennially on-loan winger to a world-class wing-back has been one of Antonio Conte’s top success this year. Unfortunately, the Blues have become dependent upon Moses on the right flank.
Pedro filled in for Moses at right wing-back against Crystal Palace. The Spaniard had done the same in the FA Cup against Brentford. Before that, Pedro replaced Marcos Alonso at left wing-back in the FA Cup against Peterborough. Despite his little better than passable against those lower-tier opponents, Antonio Conte trusted he would be up to the challenge of facing a Premier League side.
Pedro struggled with the defensive duties required of a wing-back. He was not comfortable tracking back and covering his spaces. Nor was he adept at staying wide, playing in crosses and stretching the field on attack.
"It was surprising to see that Chelsea suffered so much without Moses. Conte was not really comfortable with his decision… Azpilicueta would be better as a wing-back. And that was the kind of game that we brought Nathan Ake for. We have this player that we brought back on loan for exactly that reason. – Rayna Sidhu, The Blue Lions"
Antonio Conte shuffled his lineup in the 59′ with his first substitution. Willian came on for Nemanja Matic. This brought Cesc Fabregas back to his usual position in central midfield. Pedro returned to his usual right wing, while Willian played behind him somewhat in the wing-back slot. In the quest for an equalizer, Michy Batshuayi replaced Marcos Alonso in the 74′, leaving Chelsea with no real wing-backs.
Building depth at wing-back will be a summer priority for Antonio Conte. Chelsea will have a plethora of centre-backs competing for the three spots in the starting XI. Developing a few of these players into wing-backs will increase the squad’s versatility as well as their own prospects for making the lineup.
Ola Aina has the makings of a top wing-back, but needs several more years – including loan spells – before he is a Premier League starter. Chelsea will need to purchase at least one wing-back to complement anyone they develop in house. Djibril Sidibe from AS Monaco or Joao Cancelo from Valencia are two potential transfer targets.
Next: Chelsea fall to Crystal Palace: Player ratings from a distressing day
No one can replace Eden Hazard, but other players can fill the duties of his role. Wing-back is such a unique position that Chelsea currently do not have a like-for-like substitution, nor a system-wide way of covering for Moses’ absences. Chelsea are in danger of being victims of Victor Moses’ success.