“Don’t expect him” – Mauricio Pochettino has to drop £30m Chelsea player vs Liverpool, he was so disappointing on Friday
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the aftermath of Chelsea’s inability to secure victory against Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday, the anticipation for adjustments in the lineup under Mauricio Pochettino’s stewardship looms large. With their upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool on Wednesday posing a formidable challenge, tactical recalibrations are on the horizon.
If Pochettino contemplates making changes in the wake of the FA Cup draw, one player who might find himself on the periphery is Noni Madueke. Despite exhibiting commendable all-round wing play against Villa, the 21-year-old’s profligacy in front of goal, squandering valuable chances, leaves room for scrutiny.
Madueke’s performance, marked by completing two dribbles (the third most in the game, per WhoScored), showcased glimpses of promise. However, the inability to convert pivotal opportunities is identified as a contributing factor to Chelsea’s dropped points in the Premier League this season.
In light of these considerations, a potential adjustment involves reinstating Cole Palmer to his familiar right-wing position against Liverpool. Palmer, having thrived in this role throughout the season, witnessed an experiment in the false nine position during the FA Cup encounter. The outcome was less than stellar, with the England international failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
For Chelsea to mount a credible challenge against Liverpool, the imperative is to have Palmer operating at the zenith of his capabilities. Deploying him in an unfamiliar forward role may jeopardize his effectiveness, potentially hindering Chelsea’s aspirations.
Palmer, boasting 18 goal contributions in 24 Premier League appearances, underscores his pivotal role in the team’s attacking prowess. This tactical adjustment is not a reflection of Madueke’s competence, considering his £30 million acquisition cost according to BBC Sport. Rather, it aligns with the necessity for clinical efficiency and peak performance against a formidable opponent like Liverpool. Mitigating risks involves ensuring Madueke is in peak shooting form, and Palmer operates in his optimal position to bolster Chelsea’s chances in this pivotal encounter.
