Chelsea’s right will be lethal for years to come with Havertz, James, Ziyech

Chelsea’s right side of Reece James, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech is world class and will wreak havoc in the Premier League for years.

Chelsea fans are now beginning to get a glimpse of the right side of their team’s starting XI. The dream trio on the right will tear the Premier League apart for years to come. It’s a mouth-watering thought that when Havertz returns to full fitness, manager Frank Lampard can unleash these three to terrorize the English top flight opponents—and that includes any and all PL back lines.

Blues fans are beginning to realize just how proficient the Chelsea hierarchy was in this transfer window as new player after new player begins to shine. The acclimatization process—plus the further maturation of other of Chelsea’s young players—is pushing the Blues to new heights and the potential is limitless. Highest up on this list is the right side of the pitch, which is a perfect example of where the pieces are beginning to fit together. This begins at the back with Reece James.

James’ potential has been there for years. Yet, some defensive lapses last season slightly delayed his emergence as a complete player, but that seems to be changing completely this season. James’ crossing abilities are world class and he is sending great passes into the box with regularity this year. Thankfully, with the emergence of aerial specialists in Kurt Zouma (when did that happen?) and Thiago Silva, there are now targets to get on the other end of those crosses.

More from Chelsea FC Starting 11

• Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
• Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
• Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
• Chelsea vs Wimbeldon: 2 Blues stars Mauricio Pochettino should drop
• Chelsea vs Wimbledon: 5 Blues who must start

James has seemingly nailed down the starting right back position, which is a positive for the club—the relegation of a very capable defender in Cesar Azpilicueta notwithstanding. Azpilicueta can deputize quite nicely at either fullback position and elsewhere if necessary. Don’t fret as he will be called upon plenty this season. James provides a more complete addition to the first team and as his defensive performance is enhanced with more experience, he will become one of the top right backs in the world. It never hurts to have a wunderkind playing in midfield in front of you, either.

While international pundits have been unwarrantedly critical of Kai Havertz, the precocious German national is a megastar. Unfortunately, the development of the maestro has been derailed a bit by his unfortunate contraction of the coronavirus and of course, we wish him a speedy and recovery back to full health. Hopefully, he will be back shortly and when he is, his nascent brilliance will materialize.

James’ emergence at right back will present more opportunities for Havertz—who should be deployed on the right as a No. 8—as defenders take note of James’ crossing ability. Havertz will have license to play further forward in Lampard’s new 4-3-3 formation. This will allow James the option to quickly upload play to Havertz, who can drive centrally or further up the right side to link up with the imposing Hakim Ziyech. The options are multitudinous and the play portends to be a thing of beauty. It’s going to be beautiful football, to say the least.

Despite being on the shelf with an early injury in a friendly prior to the season, it has become abundantly clear that Ziyech is the real deal. He’s already been a force for the Blues and he’s only played in a handful of matches. Some had questioned Ziyech because of his slim frame, yet they evidently had not been cognizant of his exploits for Ajax in the Champions League. There, he sliced and diced opponents—including the Blues, unfortunately—at the highest level of football.

Just entering his prime, the 27-year-old Moroccan is a perfect complement to Chelsea’s younger generation of stars. He provides both experience and a steadying influence up front to the quickly developing Blues youngsters, Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic. Ziyech’s latest display with two assists against Sheffield United provided just a glimpse of what this supremely talented winger can and will achieve for the Blues in years to come.

He’s been called a magician with the ball by observers. His deft touch on crosses—amongst other ball skills—is truly a sight to behold. The latest gem was a perfect cross to left back Ben Chilwell for an easy goal against Sheffield. In addition, Ziyech has a deadly left foot and only a very nice deflection by a Sheffield defender prevented him from notching a goal in that game, as well, on a beautiful bending shot.

Ziyech should be called upon by Lampard to take any free kick or corner kick on the right side when he is on the pitch—period. When Ziyech is not on the pitch, that role should go to James. Both are tremendously proficient, but Ziyech adds the threat of goal scoring to his brilliant crossing and that should take precedence when both are on the pitch. With Willian having left the club, and these two stars making their way into the XI, Chelsea’s set piece efficiency will skyrocket.

Chelsea’s new acquisitions have taken not only the right side, but the whole team, to new levels of talent, proficiency and skill. Added to the preexistent talent at the club, Chelsea is transitioning from a good side to a potentially great one. Premier League foes now face the prospect of a far more proficient scoring team that also concedes goals grudgingly. Chelsea fans should look ahead with great anticipation; now it’s onto Newcastle on November 21.