Chelsea at Leeds United predicted XI: More RLC at RWB in 3-4-3
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (No. 12) Right wingback, England
The general consensus on Ruben Loftus-Cheek at right wingback is that he was superb against Spurs. How much of that is down to the kind of opponents he played against is largely irrelevant. He was superb and he deserves another start in the same role. Loftus-Cheek’s ball carrying was top notch and he provided much needed width.
The Englishman also deserves extra credit for keeping up his performance after being moved back to central midfield when Cesar Azpilicueta came on. Only Mason Mount and Kai Havertz contested more duels than Loftus-Cheek (19), and Loftus-Cheek won more duels than either of them. He also created two chances, with no Chelsea players creating more on the day.
Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy
Jorginho had a fantastic game agaisnt Spurs, however, he takes full responsibility for Tottenham’s first equaliser. There are a number of things Jorginho could’ve done, or tried to do, in that situation. Instead, he chose the worst option by a mile. Trying to dribble by two players in your own box as a defensive player is high up there with the worst decisions ever made by a player in the game. Jorginho, like Loftus-Cheek, also created two chances in the game though.
Conor Gallagher (No. 23) Central midfielder, England
Conor Gallagher came on and instantly showed everyone what made him so successful at Crystal Palace last season. He won the ball back just at the top of the semi-circle and Chelsea was on top of Tottenham again. It remains to be seen where Tuchel deploys Gallagher, as Gallagher is much more of an attacking midfielder than a holding midfielder. However, with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic injured, it won’t be long until we find out.
Marc Cucurella (No. 32) Left wingback, Spain
Marc Cucurella showed his quality against Spurs. His passing technique was so refined. He completed 88% of his passing, which is high for a wingback. He also completed two out of seven attempted crosses. Overall, Cucurella had a good game. The Blues’ latest signing is likely going to be Chelsea’s starting left wingback going forward. His crossing is superb and his assist to Koulibaly for the team’s first goal was from a perfect cross over the Tottenham defense.