Chelsea became a force to be reckoned with in January 2021 when Thomas Tuchel took over as the manager for the recently departed Frank Lampard. The German took a team with serious issues at the back and turned it into a defensive juggernaut in no time at all. His system is largely to thank for this “newfound” solidity, specifically the shape. Tuchel implemented a three-at-the-back formation—similar to Antonio Conte’s title-winning configuration—that made the Blues one of the most defensively stubborn teams on the continent. This was validated by Tuchel taking them on a tear in the UEFA Champions League, a competition they went on to win.
Part of the reason Chelsea has been so successful over the last 18 months is the individuals in Tuchel’s system. The wingbacks in particular have played instrumental parts in the Blues’ triumphs under the 48-year-old. Ben Chilwell and Reece James are undoubtedly two of the best fullbacks in all of football, which speaks volumes to their importance for the west London club. It’s no surprise that in a season in which they both missed a significant amount of time, Chelsea struggled mightily at both ends of the pitch. This is exactly why new owner Todd Boehly—along with the Blues’ board—must get things right this summer.
The club is in need of some defensive reinforcements, specifically in the wide areas. However, it’s not going to be easy to fill these gaps seeing as Chilwell and James are virtual locks in the starting XI when healthy. Instead of simply targeting the best available prospects, Chelsea must look for individuals who don’t mind coming off the bench more often than not. The Blues have an abundance of other, more pressing needs though. Thus, it may need to get creative when brainstorming ideas for back-up wingbacks.
Promoting from within seems the most realistic option to fill both back-up wingback roles. It’s important to clarify that while the secondary left wingback spot is not currently open, long-time Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is expected to depart this summer for Barcelona. This, along with Cesar Azpilicueta’s age, creates a need for numerous wide defenders. Luckily, the Blues have plenty of talent within its ranks already.
Here are three options Chelsea currently has to reinforce its wingback positions:
1. Ian Maatsen
It seems as if the name that has been on the minds of supporters for the last few seasons is Ian Maatsen. Despite the left back being talked about for years now, he’s still just 20 years old. Chilwell represents the present of the position. Although he still has a long way to go in his career in west London (he turns 26 later this year), he won’t be around forever, nor is he always fully healthy. Maatsen is one of the best options to replace Alonso long-term and eventually Chilwell, especially if the Blues are looking for a project to perfect his craft under the starter’s tutelage.
The only downside to Maatsen’s CV is his lack of experience. He’s still getting his feet wet in professional football as he turns a corner and becomes a full-time first team player in some of Europe’s top leagues. The Netherlands native has embarked on two loans over the last two seasons—both to lower leagues. Maatsen’s first loan (Charlton Athletic) was to League One, which was immediately followed by a temporary switch to the Championship with Coventry City.
He’s currently climbing his way up the English football ladder. After two sensational seasons out on loan, Maatsen finally looks ready for Premier League football. The versatile left wingback played in 41 games for Coventry as the Sky Blues finished 12th in the second division. Maatsen scored one of the goals of the season against Fulham, which turned out to be one of his four scoring contributions across all competitions out on loan.
Another one of the concerns around Maatsen is his height. Standing just 5-foot-6, these doubts from pundits are understandable, especially if the Blues bring on Jules Kounde this summer. Nevertheless, what Maatsen lacks in height, he more than makes up for in his speed, technical ability and versatility. He’s proven to be a capable defender at every level of football he’s participated in throughout his career. Not much more needs to be said on the subject.
It’s apparent that Maatsen is nearing his breakthrough at the top of professional football. Even though he has shown that he deserves an opportunity to wiggle his way into the first team, Tuchel cannot be blamed for wanting someone with a bit more experience.
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.
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!