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Chelsea predicted XI at Sheffield: Tuchel’s 3-4-3 has passed the test

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Ben Osborn of Sheffield United and Reece James of Chelsea challenge for the ball during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Chelsea FC at Bramall Lane on July 11, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Ben Osborn of Sheffield United and Reece James of Chelsea challenge for the ball during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Chelsea FC at Bramall Lane on July 11, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JULY 11: Ben Osborn of Sheffield United and Reece James of Chelsea challenge for the ball during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Chelsea FC at Bramall Lane on July 11, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JULY 11: Ben Osborn of Sheffield United and Reece James of Chelsea challenge for the ball during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Chelsea FC at Bramall Lane on July 11, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James played much better against Tottenham compared to his performance against Burnley. Though, to be fair to the youngster, he only played 17 minutes against the latter. He was instrumental in the demolition of Sheffield United earlier in the season. James’ communication with Hakim Ziyech made life difficult for the Blades players who were finding it difficult to maintain their shape.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has once again split the fanbase and the debate is no longer if he’s playing well, but how well he’s playing. A large amount of fans think he has played very well since the switch to 3-4-3, some think he has been God, some feel he hasn’t been that great. Chelsea fans have always found it difficult to give credit when due to a player they’ve made up their mind on. Jorginho has played very well since Tuchel’s arrival. Yes, having three centerbacks behind him has helped him, but it has also helped every other person on the team—including the centerbacks and wingbacks. Jorginho’s positioning is good, he speed and physique are not something he can do anything about though. He’s clearly an intelligent footballer with a very particular skillset and Tuchel seems to have found a way to utilize that. Credit to the vice-captain and the gaffer.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Speaking of intelligent players with particular skillset, Mateo Kovacic is another individual that has divided the supporters. Evaluation of him ranges from “he’s not good enough to play for the club” to “he’s world class.” Yes, I’ve actually seen these quotes. His partnership with Jorginho has been very good lately. With Jorginho sitting as the defensive midfielder and the Croatian dribbling through the midfield and breaking the press with his passes. Many expect him to create, which is weird because there’s nothing about his playing style and stats that suggest he should be a creator.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Fans have also been irritated by Marcos Alonso’s inclusion in the side in recent times, many for non-footballing reasons. Alonso, like Rudiger has been getting the job done though. The Spaniard has played well so far under Tuchel, scoring against Burnley and putting up a very good display against Spurs.

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