Who can Chelsea turn to for wingback assistance?
2. Emerson
If it’s experience that the gaffer desires than it’s experience that he shall get. There are very few loanees that have as much experience as the next name on the list, Emerson. Tuchel notably tried to recall the Brazilian-born Italian international following Chilwell’s “season-ending” (he came on for a late cameo against Watford on the final day of the season) injury, but Chelsea was unsuccessful in its attempts to bring him back. However, with Lyon unwilling to meet the Blues’ asking price, it seems as if the left back will return to the Bridge next season.
Emerson represents the best option for Tuchel of any returning members of the loan army, aside from perhaps Conor Gallagher. The fullback was originally brought to Chelsea in 2018 by Conte (are you sensing a pattern here?) and he spent his first season as a fringe player backing up Alonso. However, when Maurizio Sarri took over and changed the Blues’ shape to a back four, it was Emerson who was called upon more often than not. This didn’t change under Lampard either, but once Tuchel revived the 3-4-3, Alonso was once again favored to his Italian counterpart.
The 27-year-old went out on loan for the first time since moving from Roma to Chelsea, joining Lyon of Ligue 1 for this past campaign. Emerson played over 2,800 minutes across 37 games. One of the only red flags with the Sao Paulo native is the fact that he’s a much better left back than left wingback. However, given the defensive rebuild that the Blues are going to undergo in the coming months, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Tuchel shift the shape once again. In this case, Emerson’s inclusion in the squad could be a superb addition.
Overall, Emerson’s played nearly 200 matches at the first team level across his five clubs. This is significantly more than the other contender for the left back position in the Blues’ ranks, Maatsen. His excellent performances for Lyon last season only boost the argument for his return as he prepares to come under the microscope again at Cobham this preseason.