£50m Chelsea player is in 50/50 chance of losing his place after reports of formation change
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After Chelsea’s disheartening 4-2 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Mauricio Pochettino is contemplating a strategic shift to staunch the bleeding within the team. Reports from the Evening Standard suggest that Pochettino might consider transitioning Chelsea to a back three, a tactical alteration that could potentially have ramifications for certain players, with Raheem Sterling emerging as a potential casualty.
Sterling’s recent league form has been lackluster, having not found the net in the Premier League since November. Pochettino, contemplating a shift to a 3-4-3 formation, could opt to replace Sterling with the returning Christopher Nkunku. In this hypothetical setup, Nkunku might assume Sterling’s position on the left, flanked by Cole Palmer on the opposite side and Nicolas Jackson leading the line.
The potential change in formation presents a scenario where winners and losers emerge. While Sterling could face the prospect of being benched, it opens the door for players like Benoit Badiashile to thrive. Badiashile, who hasn’t solidified his place in the team since returning from injury and has been deployed at left-back at times, could benefit from the introduction of an additional center-back spot in the defensive lineup, affording him more opportunities in his natural position.
However, the fate of Levi Colwill remains uncertain in this tactical shuffle. Colwill, who has spent the majority of the season at left-back, could be a contender for the left center-back role. Pochettino’s decision may hinge on whether he sees Colwill as a viable option for the left wing-back position, a prospect that Chelsea fans may not necessarily endorse. As the tactical chessboard is rearranged, the implications for individual players underscore the intricacies of Pochettino’s strategic decisions and the potential ripple effects within the squad.
