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Chelsea at Udinese predicted XI: Tuchel’s strongest 3-4-3

By Gabe Henderson

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Trevoh Chalobah #14 of Chelsea dribbles the ball up the pitch against Club América during their preseason friendly match at Allegiant Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chelsea defeated Club América 2-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Trevoh Chalobah #14 of Chelsea dribbles the ball up the pitch against Club América during their preseason friendly match at Allegiant Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chelsea defeated Club América 2-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JULY 23: Reece James of Chelsea tackles Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Florida Cup match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JULY 23: Reece James of Chelsea tackles Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Florida Cup match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James remains one of the best right [wing]backs in world football, even after his injuries last season. Cesar Azpilicueta is still employed by Chelsea, which means that the Blues have the positional depth covered for right now. Nevertheless, if Tuchel wants James to line up as a right centerback more often this season, the team needs to look at investing in a back-up for the Englishman who can occasionally start. As things stand though, this is his best role and it’s not even debatable after the sensational season he had in 2021/22.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has caught a lot of heat from Chelsea fans over the last few weeks for no reason at all. Even though the midfielder has been tasked with facing questions about his uncertain future all summer long, he’s performed exceptionally well for the Blues in preseason.

The display he put on against Club America may have been one of the Brazilian-born Italian international’s best outings in a Chelsea shirt. It’s safe to say that he’s been the Blues’ best player throughout three games thus far—not that that’s a high bar—which speaks volumes about his character. The midfield maestro will have an important role to play in the upcoming campaign, especially since there are so many uncertainties surrounding N’Golo Kante.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Supporters are looking to Mateo Kovacic to bounce back in a big way this year. He looked like Chelsea’s Player of the Season for most of the previous season before injuries unfortunately took their toll on the Croatian. Regardless, fans were exposed to the versatile player that Kovacic can truly be when he’s on his game, and it made for a beautiful watch. He’s set to be the Blues’ most important midfielder this year if Tuchel sticks with a 3-4-3, which he seems set to do.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left wingback, England

Ben Chilwell—like the other three midfielders listed here—is one of Chelsea’s most important individuals. When he’s on his game, there are few fullbacks more threatening in the final third than the Englishman. An ACL injury ended Chilwell’s 2021/22 campaign prematurely, but he’s looking to bounce back in a big way in the coming months. There is a lot of uncertainty at left wingback with both Marcos Alonso and Emerson looking to leave before September 1. Therefore, it’s crucial that Chilwell kicks it into high gear before the trip to Goodison Park.

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