Pochettino’s style of play
The former PSG boss uses his formation in such a way(something which is explained later), that his opponents find it difficult to break down his team. The most important rule for getting into any Pochettino team is that you have to be good with the ball at your feet – yes even the Goalkeeper.
Most elite managers like to use a pivot in their team. For instance, Klopp and Fabinho at Liverpool, Pep and Rodri and Manchester City. Similarly, Pochettino as well likes to depend on his pivot heavily. The only difference here is that his pivot is actually the goalkeeper in the initial phase of buildup.
The goalkeeper acts as an outfield player from the get-go along with his two centre-backs and two full-backs which virtually form a back five. This forms a triangle on the pitch, irrespective of which side the ball is being played on. Once the opposition’s initial press is beaten in their own final-third, Pochettino’s teams push forward, with the help of his two central midfielders, leaving acres of space for the team’s wingers(good news for Mudryk).
The Argentine manager demands his full-backs to be on their toes all the time forming overloads in the attacking third of the team. This also helps his teams have a numerical advantage. The Stamford Bridge outfit have one of the best fullback pairing in the world in the form of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. They are known for their tenacious output on both ends of the pitch and will have no problem in executing what Pochettino demands of them.
Chelsea have the perfect players at their disposal for Pochettino to get the best out of and if the latest reports are anything to go by, the Blues are in for a treat.