Has Ben Chilwell become Chelsea’s No. 1 option at LWB?
When Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as Chelsea’s manager, there were a lot of drastic changes in a short period of time. Throughout a tactical and formational shift though, the German promised that every individual would get a fair chance at making the starting XI. The Blues tossed the 4-3-3 out and replaced it with a new and improved version of the 3-4-3. Naturally, this signified the consistent return of wingbacks to Stamford Bridge for the first time since Antonio Conte’s reign.
The unique position became a necessity once again at Chelsea. This meant the return of Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard was banished to the reserves by the previous regime, but saw a revival under Tuchel. This relegated Ben Chilwell to the bench; a move that left many Blues fans skeptical. Chilwell has been superb all season and was seemingly left to die by the German gaffer until recently. The Englishman has now started two matches in a row—against Manchester United and Liverpool, no less—and is looking to regain his place as a starter.
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Perhaps the most puzzling aspect of Chilwell’s disappearance from the starting XI was his good form. The 24-year-old has helped transform Chelsea’s defense since making the switch to Stamford Bridge a few months ago. His £50 million move was one of the summer’s most expensive and his familiarity with the Premier League has helped him slot seamlessly into the side. Despite not being a natural wingback, Chilwell possesses all the qualities to succeed at the position and his early season success justified his chance early on.
Has Chilwell done enough to overtake Marcos Alonso in the starting XI?
It is worth noting before diving into things that Chilwell was getting minutes in Tuchel’s opening matches—he started at Wolves and Sheffield United. The Chelsea fanbase blew the Englishman’s continued exclusions out of proportion. However, it did seem as if Alonso had transitioned into the starting role.
Maybe it was the sour taste the Lampard falling out left in the mouths of Blues supporters—or maybe it’s a preconceived distaste for the player himself—but for whatever reason, he wasn’t getting enough credit for how well he was playing. Alonso has looked like a whole new man under Tuchel. That being said, he turns 31 later this year, so his time is ticking. Tuchel is no stranger to the political management game and that means he understands that Chilwell has to start sooner or later.
Chilwell—much like Alonso before him—has been very good over the course of the last two games. He’s adapted to the wingback role and done what Tuchel has asked of him. No more, no less. It’s incredibly difficult to stand out in that defensive role, so perhaps the duo’s blending in is more of a compliment than it seems on the surface. This is especially true considering Callum Hudson-Odoi is on the opposite wing more often than not.
To answer the question posed above: yes, Chilwell has done enough to dethrone Alonso as the No. 1 left wingback for the Blues. In the grand scheme of things, that hardly matters as the minutes will be divided up almost equally regardless. It really just becomes a matter of who starts when the lights are brightest. Unfortunately for Alonso, age is a huge factor in this battle for a starting spot. Not everything is looking bleak for the Spaniard though. His future with the club was in serious jeopardy just six weeks ago, but now there are rumors of an extension. Alonso will likely be able to see out the remainder of his current contract (which ends in 2023), and it looks like Emerson will be the odd man out.
In the end though, the shiny new toy will win the battle for the left wingback spot. Chilwell is naturally a faster and more versatile player. He was brought in this summer to start on the left side of Chelsea’s defense and that’s what he is looking to do for many years to come—regardless of formation.
Next. Chelsea: 10 things learned in Thomas Tuchel’s first 10 matches. dark
Who do you think should start at left wingback going forward? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!