Chelsea at Charlotte FC predicted XI: Does Colwill start in 3-4-3?
Kenedy (No. 23) Right centerback, Brazil
Kenedy played well against Club America, not that it matters that much. His work rate was very good and fitting for the role he played. His angles were sometimes off, as they’re bound to be when a left footer is playing right wingback. His only game for Chelsea last season was as a left wingback on the final day of the season and he recorded an assist. The Blues don’t have a back-up for Reece James at right wingback, so Tuchel may be grooming Kenedy to be the back-up that Chelsea prays it doesn’t need during the season. No one can affect a game the way James can.
Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy
Jorginho was another player whose fitness looked to be at the level required to start the season proper. Chelsea’s Ross Barkley and Conor Gallagher did a poor job controlling the game from the midfield pivot, like the role intended. The central midfielders in the Blues’ 3-4-3 are responsible for ball retention, ball distribution, breaking up play and pressing. Gallagher ticked the pressing box and some of the passing, but it soon became clear that Tuchel deployed two attacking midfielders to play central midfield. At some point, Gallagher was pressing a player that was supposed to be Chilwell’s man. He was so far out of position that Chelsea would have been cut open like succulent bread had it played against a more decisive opponent.
Jorginho’s introduction to the game changed the match drastically. His connection with the centerbacks in playing out from the back made all the difference. His ball carrying and passing were progressive, pinging the ball over Club America’s defense and finding James and Marcos Alonso in space several times. Jorginho showed the importance of a holding midfielder in this system. His positional discipline has always been top notch and his level of play was so obvious compared to the men he replaced.
Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia
Mateo Kovacic was superb last season until his injury. He was key to Chelsea’s chance creation and ball progression. He led the Blues in progressive passes per 90 and progressive carries per 90 last season. He also ranked in the 94th percentile in both metrics. Kovacic did not quite recover from his injury last season, as he put in subpar after subpar performances down the stretch. This preseason gives the Croatian an opportunity to build up his fitness to the required level.
Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain
Marcos Alonso was another player who changed the game for Chelsea in Las Vegas. The criticism he got from sections of the fanbase was baffling as his impact was glaring. The Spaniard’s performance was capped off by his run to receive a long ball, controlling it and then send a driving pass between two opposing defenders to find Mason Mount, who curled home the winner. Alonso continued his form from last season and he was unsurprisingly better than Chilwell last time out.