Three big questions: Chelsea’s Emerson and narratives

3. Would he have worked better higher up the pitch?

Given Emerson was rarely bothered by his defensive duties, it might have made sense to try him higher up the pitch. He was always tidy on the ball and on the dribble. No one can really say they have doubts about his ability in possession. It was only out of possession that there was ever really an issue.

So, what if Emerson had been used more as a winger than a fullback or wingback? It was only really ever tried in late substitute appearances and it actually seemed to suit the Italian. And it actually might not even be too late to try it to save his Chelsea career.

Obviously, the competition at these spots has historically be steep. Eden Hazard was not going to lose a spot to Emerson. Even this season, Christian Pulisic had no worries. But next season there is an opening.

Currently, Chelsea has three true wingers. Two of those, Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, often play inverted. The other, Callum Hudson-Odoi, can play inverted but generally operates as a true winger. That leaves an opening for a fourth winger and especially one that stays wide to cross in from the left. Enter Emerson.

It is important to not only have depth in a position, but variance in styles for the position. As already seen in preseason, the combination of Reece James and Ziyech can work, but it also becomes a bit obvious what is going to happen. Ziyech will cut in, James will overlap, and then Ziyech either passes centrally or threads James in for a cross.

The same will happen on the left with Pulisic and Chilwell. Emerson would offer a different option by going wide far more often. Both Chilwell and Emerson wide could draw the opponent over creating space for the striker and midfielders to attack.

If the Blues are unable to offload Emerson, that would certainly be the best use for him. It may be a bit makeshift for a season, but it could work just long enough to find new options next summer.

What questions do you think need to be asked about Emerson’s time at the club? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!