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Chelsea predicted XI: Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-3 in 2031

By Gabe Henderson

Chelsea's German head coach Thomas Tuchel (R) and Chelsea's Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's German head coach Thomas Tuchel (R) and Chelsea's Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (R) and Chelsea’s Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour (L) celebrate on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on May 8, 2021. – Chelsea won the game 2-1. (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (R) and Chelsea’s Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour (L) celebrate on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on May 8, 2021. – Chelsea won the game 2-1. (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Right wingback: Reece James (31)

Reece James is destined for greatness. A Champions League starter at 21, the world is James’ oyster. He’ll assume the role of vice-captain for the Blues due to his longevity, talent and personality off the pitch. Even then, calling James a vice-captain in 2031 feels harsh, but every John Terry has his Frank Lampard. The versatile defender will continue to occupy the right wingback role.

Central midfielder: Billy Gilmour (30)

Aside from the captain to be mentioned later, there is no selection I feel more certain about than this one. Billy Gilmour’s loan to Norwich City is going to do him the world of good. He’s going to develop under a tactically savvy manager in Daniel Farke and learn Tuchel’s dual-six system. Once Gilmour breaks into the first team, nothing will keep him out. What he lacks in stature, he more than makes up for in heart and hustle. Further, he’s one of the most talented and mature youngsters the Chelsea academy has ever seen. Gilmour will be pulling all of the strings in the middle of the park alongside another surefire future star.

Central midfielder: Conor Gallagher (31)

Next to Gilmour is another man that Blues fans will be very familiar with due to his recent showings. Conor Gallagher took the world by storm during his first Premier League loan. West Brom was an absolute disgrace on the pitch, but it was the Chelsea youngster who provided the entertainment during a dreadful season. Gallagher is the perfect midfielder—he truly has it all. He can play anywhere in the middle of the park, providing assists or cutting out a pass. The thought of Gallagher and Gilmour together in a midfield pivot is enough to make opposing fans’ hair stand up.

Left wingback: Ian Maatsen (29)

The left wingback spot was tough given the talent Chelsea has there right now. Ben Chilwell is fresh off a Champions League final masterclass and subsequent victory. However, by the time 2031 rolls around, he’ll be in his mid-30s. Therefore, Ian Maatsen gets the nod. Many wanted Maatsen included in the team last season, assuming the Blues would sell both Marcos Alonso and Emerson. They stayed and so Maatsen went out on loan. One of the two will depart SW6 sometime this summer, so it’s unlikely Maatsen stays right now. That being said, he’s one to watch for the future. He lacks in stature, but the amount of defensive awareness and raw talent he has is indescribable. Maatsen’s offensive traits could improve, but there’s plenty of time for that in the future.

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