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Chelsea at Lille OSC predicted XI: Hakim Ziyech at wingback in 3-4-3

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea FC and Xeka of Lille OSC in action during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea FC and Xeka of Lille OSC in action during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea FC and Xeka of Lille OSC in action during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea FC and Xeka of Lille OSC in action during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Hakim Ziyech (No. 22) Right wingback, Morocco

Hakim Ziyech was arguably Chelsea’s best player against Newcastle, creating more chances than anyone else, including a big chance. The Blues did not involve Ziyech in play enough, instead, trying to build up through their left side, despite the better chances in recent weeks coming from the right. Part of this might be due to the fact that the whole back line comprised of right-footed centerbacks, so their passing angles were more suited to building up from the left. That said, Ziyech definitely continued from where he left off before the injury, and he deserves to start again. His defensive discipline and awareness were very impressive. Ziyech is only recently getting recognition for how much he does off the ball.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

N’Golo Kante was less than impressive against Newcastle, but then again, so were most of the players that were on the pitch. He’s still the best in his position, and he walked away with the Man of the Match award in the first leg of this tie. This game will likely be more difficult as it’s the away leg, but it should still be a routine victory thanks to the Frenchman’s contributions.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic has been excellent in recent weeks. Many are only beginning to realize how important Kovacic is to the side. He has played the most passes and he has the highest pass completion for Chelsea in the Champions League so far. He also leads the Blues in through balls, according to WhoScored.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso has been out of the side in the last two weeks due to COVID-19 and the Blues have felt his absence massively. Chelsea tried to build up through the left side in the last two games and it almost always broke down. Many have praised Malang Sarr and Saul’s performances that they’d have abused Alonso for, which is unhealthy for the fanbase. There is nothing wrong with having players that you just don’t like, but adults should be able to evaluate performances sincerely, regardless of personal preference. Alonso has now played and started the most games for Chelsea at left wingback in the Premier League and the Champions League this season. Interestingly, he doesn’t get his flowers from the “availability is the best ability” guys

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