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Tactics and Transfers: January signings are necessary for Chelsea

By Barrett Rouen

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Valentino Livramento of Chelsea reacts during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on May 12, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Valentino Livramento of Chelsea reacts during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on May 12, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Tino Livramento and Tariq Lamptey

On the other side for right wingback cover, I would trigger Tino Livramento’s buyback option now (if possible). There would be no negotiating and he could start training this week. It would be the best business Southampton have ever done. £20 million profit in four months. Livramento is familiar with the side and the tactics. He has pace and crossing ability in spades and could easily slip straight into the team with ease. He has been one of the players of the season for Saints.

Another thing to think of is if Azpilicueta leaves, Livramento can play wingback and Reece James behind him as the right centerback. It’s possible that with James’ build, the reason he has already had as many injuries to his ankles, calves and hamstrings as he has had in his career is the position. Tuchel’s tactics still allow for the right centerback to get up and down the pitch while making darting runs and playing long balls and crosses out from the back. James could very easily make the move that Azpilicueta has made to that position and it would suit his physicality, as well.

Another option I like is bringing back Tariq Lamptey. Arsenal is rumored to be interested in him and it could be a good idea to jump that move. He’s an excellent wingback and has the potential to turn into Kante’s replacement, as well. He has a similar running style and the right stature for a midfielder in that department. His low center of gravity perfectly mimics that of Kante, Claude Makelele and Lassana Diarra. Engine room midfielders and wingbacks share a great deal of tactical similarities in the modern game. He’s a magnificent passer and good in the long and short game while being one of the most tenacious tacklers in the Premier League at the moment. Lamptey played as a defensive midfielder at times in Chelsea’s academy and with his engine and Kante’s tutelage, he could turn into the destructive box-to-box midfielder to replace the Frenchman following his time on the right wing.

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