Poch must now drop ‘world-class’ Chelsea player for tonight’s game
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Mauricio Pochettino is undoubtedly already firming up his lineup for tonight’s West London derby against Fulham, a critical fixture for Chelsea as they grapple with their position near the bottom of the Premier League table. The EFL Cup match against Brighton earlier in the week, which marked a return to winning ways, is likely to influence Pochettino’s selection for this key game.
In the recent EFL Cup encounter, Chelsea fielded a rotated lineup, affording players who haven’t had ample opportunities a chance to showcase their abilities. The defensive lineup witnessed significant alterations, with Marc Cucurella notably seizing the opportunity despite playing out of position on the right side of a four-man defense.
The strategic reshuffling also enabled Levi Colwill to occupy his preferred central defensive role, allowing him to display his true potential.
However, for a replication of this successful setup tonight, Pochettino may need to make a tough decision and drop a player who has been a consistent starter throughout the season—Thiago Silva. Despite being hailed as ‘world-class’ in the past, Silva has faced challenges this season, deviating from his usual high standards.
Presently, it seems like the defensive formation is structured to provide a protective shield for the revered Brazilian veteran. Yet, there are growing concerns about the necessity of this approach.
Axel Disasi, Silva’s defensive partner for the entire season, has quietly performed better than expected, even if his contributions haven’t garnered widespread acclaim. It may be opportune to experiment with a defensive duo comprising Disasi and Colwill, exploring the potential chemistry between the Frenchman and the young English talent.
As Benoit Badiashile, another defensive option, approaches his return from injury, Silva could face increased competition for playing time. This situation warrants careful consideration, as the balance in the defensive lineup could soon shift.
