Chelsea Predicted XI vs Real Madrid: Trusted 3-4-3 in high stakes game

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right wingback, Spain

Azpilicueta was rested against Fulham, and rightly so. He has had the majority of games and minutes since the new manager arrived, his expertise and leadership have helped the Blues to become defensively solid and challenge for major honors again. Tuchel made a judgement call against the Galacticos to move Azpilicueta to right wingback to shield him from being targeted by over-the-top balls in behind, it worked, as he was able to add his tenacity to the midfield, playing a role in destabilizing an already disoriented Real Madrid team struggling with a new formation.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, England

Kante was rested against Fulham, giving way for Gilmour to make a rare start under Tuchel. He came on for Ziyech though, likely to build his fitness toward the Real Madrid game. Depending on who you ask, Kante had a very good game against Real Madrid. He cannot really be blamed if he finds himself in a situation to affect the final third often, that’s not his strength. He did lose majority of the duels he contested in the Real Madrid game. He made three defensive actions and was dribbled past once. The Chelsea midfielders handled the Madrid midfield very well, an Kante was a big part of that.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has been very good under Tuchel. He does get dribbled past a lot but he also makes a lot of interceptions and tackles too. In fact Jorginho has made the most interceptions per game in the Champions league for the Blues, and the third best for the Blues in the Premier League, unfortunately, he has also been dribbled past the most for the Blues in the Champions League. A lot of his contributions are dismissed because of the few things he doesn’t do well. Interestingly some other players are praised for doing not as much. Jorginho has been an utmost professional. He has kept his head down and worked hard even when not in the side. Yes, Jorginho has shortcomings, shortcomings that are problematic for the position he plays, but he should be judged on a game by game basis like every other player. Focusing on a player’s weaknesses and disregarding their strengths is silly and gives an impression of shallow thinking.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left wingback, England

Chilwell played the majority of minutes in the game against Fulham giving way to Marcos Alonso in the 81st minute. Alonso fits better in a three centerback formation, but Chilwell has learnt to do a lot of the things Alonso does well. Chilwell has the added advantage of being faster and being able to cover more ground to contribute defensively even after running forward.