Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel’s greatest challenge with the Blues

It is becoming increasingly clear that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s greatest challenge at Chelsea will be the deployment of his attackers.

The Chelsea manager is a brilliant technician and tactician. The implementation of the 3-4-2-1 formation transformed Chelsea from a 10th place side into a competitor for a Champions League qualification spot at No. 4. Without a doubt, Tuchel’s influence has brought Chelsea back from the abyss into contention, at least for one of the top four slots and participation still in two other cup competitions.

But, with that in mind, Tuchel’s greatest challenge in the future (not to rule out this season) is to somehow maximize the attacking talent he has at his disposal. He has an abundance of talent. So, how can Tuchel get the most out of that plethora of attacking players and still maintain his nearly insurmountable defensive wall against opposing attackers? And is that possible? Maybe, but it won’t be easy if it is. Let’s explore an option.

How about a 3-3-3-1 formation? A manager should certainly utilize as much of the talent available to him to bring the best results to his side in his formation. It may not be the one he absolutely prefers. But, until the club has the time to acquire the players he wants (before he is sacked), the suggested formation may be appropriate for some teams that have an abundance of attackers. Witness, Chelsea under Tuchel. What does he have in abundance? Attackers. What should he seek to employ? Well, attackers. So is the 3-3-3-1 a system that will allow him to do so and not mess up the defensive wall he has constructed? Not sure. Let’s explore.

Having three at the back is obviously very comfortable for his newly reinstated trio of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Cesar Azpilicueta. All three of those players were dustbin residents under former manager Frank Lampard. Now, they are key to the Blues’ success. In the suggested formation, they remain on the backline so that strength is totally maintained. One real change, however, is in the midfield. Instead of the comfortable four (two dual sixes, and two wingbacks), there are only three players to fill those four roles. This is clearly a diminution of defensive numbers.

How would this work for this Chelsea squad? It would begin with Mason Mount added to the midfield, centrally. Mount’s astounding work rate would help make up for the loss of a defending wing-back. He’s inexhaustible and can and will trackback with the best midfielders in the game. Coupled with N’Golo Kante or Reece James on the right and Ben Chilwell or Kovacic on the left, there is still super defensive acumen coupled with an attacking bent depending on who Tuchel selects in any given game. And Mount in midfield is a greater attacking threat than any other Chelsea midfielder by far. A double win. Then, we come to the best result of the use of this formation.

Another solid attacker is now added to create a front attacking four now instead of three. This could look like Pulisic on the left, Havertz in a No.10 position, playing behind and all-around the striker, and Hakim Ziyech or Callum Hudson-Odoi on the right (or left as required). This puts less pressure on Havertz to score while still allowing him to play his all-around brilliant game centrally feathering passes to his teammates as well as finishing at times himself. Then, you add your top striker like Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham, or Olivier Giroud (who sadly will likely be leaving in the summer) and the attack is stronger and hopefully more productive in lodging more multiple-goal outbursts as they did against Crystal Palace. That’s the thought, just a bit of brainstorming on how Tuchel might be able to augment the attack while still maintaining his defensive wall.

How do you think Tuchel can optimize his attack? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!