Chelsea: 3 players that will thrive in Mauricio Pochettino’s system
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It became official on July 1 that Mauricio Pochettino will be the new head man at Chelsea Football Club, bringing in a new set of standards with the hopes of resurrecting the west Londoners.
The last time the world saw the West London outfit on the football pitch, they were in shambles. Whether it was a lack of clear instructions, or questionable substitutions, the entire 2022-2023 campaign for the Blues was one defined by disorganization. CFC’s new man, Pochettino is defined by his organization and discipline. Mostly using a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Argentine manager uses the philosophy of a stable shape with the idea of eliminating counter-attacks in order to counter-press on the other end.
His system must possess footballers that are at their peak physical condition. In possession, Pochettino’s team move to more of a 3-4-2-1 as his wing-back fly up the flanks to get involved in the attacks. All of this is enticing given where the club was just a few months ago, but who should the league keep their eye on as Chelsea that might show up under this new reign. Here are three players among many within Chelsea’s squad that have the capabilities to prosper in this kind of belief system.
3 Chelsea players that will make their mark in Pochettino’s system
3. Levi Colwill
With Benoît Badiashile reported to be out for an “extended period” in late May, someone else may have to fill in the role as the left-sided center back. Returning Levi Colwill looks to be that guy. The 20-year-old has been a hot commodity by several top-flight clubs including his club last season Brighton and Hove Albion along with Liverpool.
Time and time again, the west Londoners have been adamant that he is not for sale. The discussions, and rumors will continue, but due to his age and potential, the west London outfit has to see what the the former Southampton manager can do with him. Colwill has experience in both a four back and a three back with the Seagulls last season. His distribution and precision when it comes to long balls at Brighton and with the U21 English national team has been remarkable.
Colwill was a part of a Roberto De Zerbi squad that led the Premier League last season in high turnovers. Meaning the Seagulls won possession in open play within forty metres of the opponent goal more than any side last season. That experience would help him adjust to the kind of relentless football that is expected from a Pochettino team.
The young Englishmen enjoys to progress the ball forward with via a pass or through a carry. He is in the 88th percentile or higher in progressive passes and carries. That is something that the Blues are going to need in order to be more consistent in front of the goal month when August rolls around. From 2015-2018, Spurs was top-three in total possession. Colwill is in the 99th percentile for center-backs in passes attempted per 90 minutes. This just seems like the perfect young player that can grow within a system that highlights a lot of his strengths.