Chelsea into the depths part four: A healthy heart in midfield

Chelsea's Italian midfielder Jorginho (2nd L) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount (L) during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Chelsea at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on February 7, 2021. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

3 of 4

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – FEBRUARY 23: N’Golo Kante, Saul Niguez during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea FC at National Arena on February 23, 2021 in Bucharest, Romania. (Photo by Stefan Constantin/MB Media/Getty Images) /

4. Saul Niguez

Being the new guy at a team that just won the Champions League trusting three midfielders for two positions is hard. Tuchel is sure to trust Saul’s experience more than he would have other options for the fourth midfield spot, but the Spaniard still has to earn his way into full contention.

For his part, Saul has a lot going for him. Being the only left footed midfielder creates passing angles for him that others simply lack. His versatility will fit in well as Chelsea’s formation shifts and changes in games and over time. His varied skillset will also make him an easier fit for almost any opponent.

And, if Saul returns to the form he had two years ago, he’s arguably going to knock Kante or Jorginho out of the starting XI. That’s how good he used to be. His first task will be to topple Kovacic who has a similarish skillset overall, but from there Saul has a chance.

5. Trevoh Chalobah

The fifth spot could go to several different players. Last season, this conversation was more about the fourth spot and Mason Mount often found himself dropping into the position. The loan of Saul will take some of that pressure off but so will Chalobah sticking around.

For now, Chalobah is primarily seen as a centerback by Tuchel. Over the last several loans, however, Chalobah has featured heavily in midfield. He’s not likely going to play their a ton but it does give him one more chance to squeeze in some minutes. He won’t be as solid on the ball as Jorginho, he won’t be able to carry it like Kovacic or Saul, and he won’t be as defensive as Kante, but he can get a job done if called (as already seen in a late cameo in midfield against Liverpool).

Home/Chelsea FC Depth Chart