Who can Chelsea turn to for wingback assistance?

3. Dujon Sterling

Whereas the other two names on this list focused on potential Chilwell replacements, there is one individual currently on the club’s books that would provide decent cover for James on the right. If there’s anybody at Chelsea that could put together a career path similar to Trevoh Chalobah and break into the first team next season, it’s Dujon Sterling.

In fact, the seemingly forgotten fullback made a name for himself last preseason with a string of impressive performances. Sterling nearly made his first team breakthrough at the same time as Chalobah as Tuchel debated keeping him on as a cover for James. In hindsight, it would’ve been excellent to have him during the winter period when the Blues’ star was injured, but Sterling’s performance this season also proved to be crucial for his development.

Still just 22, Sterling has been around the block a few times in the loan army. The defender earned his first team debut in 2017 under, you guessed it, Conte—sorry, I couldn’t resist—but he hasn’t appeared much since. Injuries undeniably have had their say in Sterling’s career. Yet, he continues to chug on as he draws closer to a full-time first team gig under Tuchel. He’s excelled with Coventry and most recently, Blackpool, when he’s been healthy. Sterling’s perfect blend of experience and youth makes him the ideal back-up to James, as long as he can continue to avoid serious, long-term injuries of any kind.

Another reason Sterling has a serious chance of making the 2022/23 senior side’s roster is because of his positional flexibility. Although he’s a right back by trade, he’s spent a lot of time playing as a right wingback and centerback. This will come in handy just in case Tuchel and the board aren’t able to secure depth in key areas during the summer transfer window. After all, they do have a lot of work to do in a relatively short amount of time. Sterling can be the answer to a nagging issue within the Blues’ ranks if he replicates his showings from last year in preseason camp beginning next month.

Who would you like to see play for the Blues next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!