“I don’t understand poch is doing this”- Pundit questions Pochettino’s use of Levi Colwill at Chelsea
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Former Chelsea Star Mario Melchiot Disagrees with Pochettino’s Tactics
In a candid conversation on ESPN FC’s official YouTube channel, former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot raised concerns about Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to play young centre-back Levi Colwill out of his natural position.
Melchiot, an advocate for Colwill, expressed his disagreement with Pochettino’s frequent choice of fielding the 20-year-old centre-back in the left-back role. He emphasized, “I like [Levi Colwill]. I was one of the first to say don’t sell him, but I don’t understand why you play him there. If you want to play him, play him in the centre of the backline, in the centre.”
Pochettino’s Experiment: Shifting Positions Affecting Team Performance
Pochettino’s experimentation has led to a positional shift, pushing Ben Chilwell, a natural left-back, further up the field. However, these tactical changes haven’t proven fruitful, as Chelsea currently languishes at the 14th position in the Premier League standings.
Melchiot, a Dutchman, firmly believes Pochettino should revert Colwill to his original position and reinstate Chilwell at left-back. The current strategy seems ineffective as Chelsea struggles to break a 3-match goalless streak.
As the head coach of Chelsea, Pochettino certainly has the team’s best interests in mind. However, the unconventional positioning of Colwill and Chilwell has attracted criticism, especially given Chelsea’s recent poor form.
Optimizing Player Positions for Better Performance
While a return to their natural positions may not solve all of Chelsea’s problems, it could significantly enhance team cohesion and increase the likelihood of winning matches. Mauricio Pochettino should consider assigning players to positions that best suit their skills and strengths.
Recognizing the Need for Speed and Creativity
Recently, Pochettino opted to start winger Mykhailo Mudryk over Chilwell, underscoring the necessity for speed and creativity in the team—attributes that Chilwell might not provide despite his attacking prowess.
Colwill: A Versatile Asset for Chelsea
Levi Colwill, a product of Chelsea’s esteemed youth academy, possesses immense potential and versatility, making him a valuable asset for the club. Pochettino tested him as a left-sided centre-back in Chelsea’s 1-0 EFL Cup victory against Brighton, possibly indicating an evolving comfort with this strategy.
