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

Before jumping into the bench, it must be noted that nine names will be included. This may be a bold prediction—or perhaps wishful thinking—but I think the five substitute, nine-man bench will become the new standard in football well before 2031. For this reason, and the fact that it was hard enough even narrowing it down this much, I decided to stick with nine.

Sami Tlemcani (26)

Sami Tlemcani has one of the highest ceilings in all of Chelsea’s ranks. The young French keeper just recently joined the Blues to play for their U18 side. While this may not scream talented wunderkind, it’s rare that Chelsea purchases many players that age nowadays. Ethan Ampadu and Gilmour are two recent examples and they’ve turned out alright thus far. Tlemcani makes the bench because at 26, he could still be developing as a goalkeeper.

Valentino Livramento (28)

Valentino Livramento undoubtedly makes the bench as one of the unluckiest players on this list. If anybody but James were starting before him, he’d be included in the XI, no questions asked. That is not the case, but it does display the embarrassment of riches the Blues have on their books.

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Malang Sarr (32)

Malang Sarr is included for his ability to play virtually anywhere along a back line, in any formation. The young Frenchman has a bright future ahead as a centerback in Europe, it’s just not arguably as bright as those included in Tuchel’s first XI.

Ben Chilwell (34)

Chilwell’s age is the sole reason he’s on the bench. A 29-year-old Maatsen will be better suited to play wingback than Chilwell, but the latter will have a helluva run in the first team before being demoted to the bench.

Ethan Ampadu (30)

Ethan Ampadu’s raw talent, consistency all over the pitch and positional versatility sees him make the bench ahead of Trevoh Chalobah. I’m a firm believer in Ampadu, despite two consecutive poor loans, so he has to make my team.

Tino Anjorin (29)

In the debate for the last midfield spot, Tino Anjorin squeaks in over Lewis Bate. It’s the simple fact that Anjorin already made the jump into the first team, whereas Bate makes the scarce appearance, that wins the former the honor of being on the hypothetical bench in 2031.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (30)

As I said with Livramento and I will say with another player later on, Callum Hudson-Odoi is extremely unlucky—perhaps more than anyone else. He possesses the raw ability that’d make any manager excited, as we saw when Bayern Munich pursued him, but he simply has yet to put together a serious string of consistent performances. Therefore, he misses out behind Havertz.

Tammy Abraham (33)

Tammy Abraham’s future probably lies elsewhere, which is why I was extremely hesitant to include him on this list. However, if by some miracle he still plays at Chelsea in 2031, he simply has to be included. Unlike Timo Werner, whose main asset is his pace, Abraham is technically gifted. It’s this raw ability that sees him make the bench at 33 years of age.

Christian Pulisic (32)

I can’t wait to see what the boo boys have to say about this one. Christian Pulisic has undeniable talent. He’s got the potential to become a world class winger for both the Blues and the USMNT. That being said, I—an American—simply believe Mount and Havertz will go on to have better careers. Since there is no room for the Pennsylvania native on the wings, he makes the bench as the first name to be included.

Who would be in your starting XI for 2031? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!