For the first time in a long time Chelsea are blessed with the gift of depth. The blue are finally able to look at their entire roster and see several players with talent at most positions. It’s common sense that to be a top team, your starting eleven can’t be the only key players. Each position needs a reliable backup who can enter the game whenever necessary and provide the level of play needed to be a contender.
While Mauricio Pochettino will look at his squad and certainly see some areas to bolster further, it seems where he may be most comfortable is the defensive positions. However, where there is light, darkness looms always and Chelsea’s daunting injury woes have not left their defensive player unscathed. CFC currently have four defensive, all potential starters, on their injury list. While some will remain out longer than others, a big question is who will get the nod when (or if) everyone is healthy at once.
Chelsea captain Reece James
There is no question about this one. He is our captain and one of, if not the, best right back in the world. When he is one form and healthy, James is a key player for the Blues. He is most likely one of the first names on the team sheet if he is fully fit. James is a monster both defensively and offensively and can both produce and protect for Chelsea.
It may seem harsh to Malo Gusto, who was fantastic while James was injured, but there is no question he was bought to be a backup for Reece James. Having two fantastic right backs only strengthens the squad, there can be no mistaking who is the preferred option. Reece James will always be the first choice right-back and rightly so. He still shows immense potential when he is already lauded in his position.