Croatia: Mateo Kovacic
Kovacic still exists in an awkward place for his national team. Based on his form and ability, he should be starting. But he’s also not Luka Modric who continues to start over him. Croatia has had both for years and there simply doesn’t seem to be a desire to find a way to get both on the pitch.
That is, of course, until the last break where both starting together in all two matches. It remains to be seen whether or not they continue to do so or if the experiment is abandoned for Slovenia (24 March), Cyprus (27 March), and Malta (30 March).
Denmark: Andreas Christensen
Christensen has had a resurgence at Chelsea since Thiago Silva went down injured. At Paris Saint-Germain, Thomas Tuchel preferred a system that saw Marquinhos start as a midfielder on paper but play as a third centerback in practice. That’s a role that would suit Christensen’s skill set as his national team often uses him in midfield, a back three, and a back four in near equal measure.
Israel, Moldova, and Austria on 25, 28, and 31 March provide the steepest competition relative to the team for most of Chelsea’s internationals. Christensen may be needed to go the distance in all three regardless of where he lines up.
Italy: Emerson
Chelsea’s Italian contingent is light this time around with only Emerson featuring. He remains a mostly key figure for his national team even when his club playing time remains limited. One new advantage he may have is Tuchel’s willingness to use Emerson as a left centerback and as a winger in some recent outings. That may further ensure that Italy has a place to start him in their quietly deep (though not necessarily of the best quality) side.
Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, and Lithuania on 25, 28, and 31 March shouldn’t prove much competition for the Italians.