Should Ben Chilwell or Marc Cucurella start for Chelsea at left wingback? Pride of London chooses the most suitable Blues personnel going forward.
In a world where only 11 players can be on the pitch at one time for one side, Chelsea can only really choose one left-sided versatile wing-back to start off the game. After a season where the left side of the defense struggled against more dynamic wingers with Ben Chilwell out for most of the season due to an injury, the Blues knew that they needed to add more of an electric and all-around player with the eventual loss of Marcos Alonso. Despite some critics saying that he was worth far less than CFC actually bought him for, the 2021/22 Brighton and Hove Albion Player of the Season, Marc Cucurella headed to west London for a reported 62 million pounds.
Following Chilwell’s performance against West Ham to snatch three points in the Blues’ favor, and his body getting back up to the speed of the game, the new manager, Graham Potter has an eye-catching decision to make on the left side of the pitch. Being in as many competitions as Chelsea, Potter will have the luxury to use both of them, and with the lack of depth at the left wing-back position last season, this is a problem that almost any manager in the Premier League wishes they had.
Since the news dropped that Cucurella was heading to Stamford Bridge the inevitable debate of these two left wing-backs began. Most of the time it is going to depend on the form of the player, and possibly the opposition on the other side of the pitch, but ignoring the “Brighton bias” that Potter may have for Cucurella, his best option at the left-wing back position going forward this season if his health allows him has to be Chilwell.
When it comes to trust, Cucurella is the obvious decision for Potter as he did not want any part in selling the Spanish winger during the summer transfer window at Brighton. If Chilwell needs even more time despite his performance against the Irons to heal to 100 percent, Cucurella fills in nearly seamlessly.
Before Chilwell went down due to injury last season, he and Reece James were arguably the best wing back duo in the entire English top-flight. Despite being such a force for the Seagulls last season, Cucurella may need some time at a club as large as Chelsea to get acclimated to the expectations, and learn the habits of the players around him.
Both of them are the same age, strong in the attack, and creative when his team called upon them. There are few complaints for Cucurella, with his composure in the back, including his save on the line against Southampton, and his crossing abilities that awarded him two assists so far. What makes Chilwell so special compared to ‘Cucu’ is his partnership with the rest of the squad, his ability to make those darting runs over the top or through the defense, and change the game in the blink of an eye with sheer will and desire.
If Potter wants to control the game, and harness the majority of the ball, Cucurella is the player he is going to turn to. However, if the Blues are down, or need a spark offensively, Chilwell should be the go-to player at left-wing back.
The Spaniard right now has not shown enough dynamism like he was signed in order to award him that No. 1 role on the left wing. By no means is Cucurella not worthy of a substantial amount of playing time. What he showed in his only season in the Premier League is that he has a bright future ahead of him, and will provide Potter with some essential depth that is going to be priceless late in the season. One game the answer could be Cucurella, the next Potter could pick Chilwell, it is that close of a battle on the left flank.
The Englishman came on the pitch for the ex-Brighton star in the 72’ at Stamford Bridge in a must-win game for the Blues. What made Chilwell’s performance stand out from the rest was his willingness to go forward with confidence. He played extremely direct, acting as if he was on a mission to will his team to a victory and prove to the club he does not want to be the second choice, collecting a goal and an assist in such a short time on the pitch. The debate is one that is well worth having as the rest of the season unfolds.
The former Leicester City man may find it difficult with Cucurella’s former boss now at the helm of the Blues, but his energy that he injected into the side against West Ham has to be a motivating factor for him going forward. With ownership shockingly changing the manager, the system is ultimately going to change. Both players give Potter quality options to choose from, but at the end of the day, the Blues are struggling to create chances, and putting the ball in the back of the net. If Chelsea want to change that, a healthy Chilwell has to be one of the puzzle pieces that lead to the ultimate solution of the problem.