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Five potential options for Chelsea’s fourth midfielder spot in 2021/22

By Gabe Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah and Mason Mount of Chelsea at full time of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah and Mason Mount of Chelsea at full time of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring his goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring his goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

3. Trevoh Chalobah

The most unlikely full-time midfielder within Chelsea’s current camp is Trevoh Chalobah. Chalobah has spent the preseason as the Blues’ most impressive returning loanee, nearly going the distance in just about every match. He added to those outings with starts in the UEFA Super Cup and Premier League against Villarreal and Crystal Palace respectively. Chalobah was one of the best players on the pitch in each game—capping off his unbelievable month with a debut domestic goal from long range.

I’ve just written a paragraph full of praise for the 22-year-old, so why is he the most unlikely candidate for the highly contested fourth midfield spot? Simple, he’s already playing elsewhere.

Tuchel has made it a point to classify Chalobah as a centerback since he joined up with the team at Cobham. As has the player himself. The English international’s plan for the near future is unknown, but if he is to go out on loan, the gaffer has made it very clear he only wants Chalobah to play as a defender. During previous loans, most notably at Lorient in Ligue 1 last season, he split time between the back line and midfield. Chalobah’s an incredibly versatile young prospect, but Tuchel sees defense as his opportunity to thrive for the club long-term.

Chalobah possesses all the traits to become the fourth midfielder though. He finished fourth in the Premier League during the opening week for progressive passes. Chalobah got forward efficiently and was even called upon in the final third a few times. There is a scenario in which he could assume the role in question: if Jules Kounde is able to complete his move to Chelsea and the Blues’ boss simply refuses to let Chalobah go, even on loan. He may not see as many minutes as expected at the moment given he’s split time between centerback and right centerback over the last few weeks. Kounde would almost certainly deputize Cesar Azpilicueta on the right and the middle is clogged with Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen. Therefore, a switch to the pivot could work out for Chalobah, albeit it is unlikely.

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