“Should play left-back start him” – Mauricio Pochettino needs to start playing £26m Chelsea player at left-back now

Chelsea’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, finds himself in the clutches of an unfortunate conundrum with the prolonged absence of left-back stalwarts Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, leaving the defensive flanks exposed to the unpredictable whims of injuries. However, the strategic choices made to address this quandary have raised eyebrows, particularly in the deployment of Levi Colwill—a natural center-back thrust into the demanding role of the left-back.

While acknowledging Colwill’s efforts, it’s undeniable that the experiment has proven less than ideal, with the young defender displaying vulnerabilities in the left-back position. Jason Cundy’s recent critique, emphasizing Colwill’s struggles during Chelsea’s 1-0 cup defeat to Middlesbrough, serves as a clarion call for reconsideration.

In the midst of this defensive tumult, a potential solution emerges in the form of Malo Gusto—a 20-year-old prodigy poised to alleviate the left-back conundrum. With a price tag of £26 million and an impressive debut season in Chelsea’s senior squad, Gusto stands as a beacon of versatility, equally adept at right-back and, crucially, left-back.

The proposition is rooted in Gusto’s natural proficiency in the left-back role, a characteristic that differentiates him from Colwill. His emergence during Reece James’ absence has not only showcased his prowess as a right-back but has also hinted at his capacity to seamlessly transition to the left flank.

In advocating for Gusto’s temporary relocation to left-back, the domino effect opens avenues for Alfie Gilchrist or Axel Disasi to assume right-back responsibilities. This strategic shuffle aims to fortify Chelsea’s defensive posture while harnessing the individual strengths of each player in their preferred positions.

Mario Melchiot’s revelation, drawn from Gusto himself during pre-season, affirms the young French defender’s comfort in toggling between right and left-back positions. It’s a testament to Gusto’s adaptability, a quality poised to be harnessed for the collective benefit of the team.

In essence, the proposal pivots on addressing the immediate exigency at Stamford Bridge, infusing stability into the left-back position, and simultaneously fostering a more harmonious defensive dynamic. As the tactical chessboard unfolds, Pochettino stands at the crossroads, weighing the merits of continuity with Colwill against the potential defensive resurgence heralded by the introduction of Gusto. The narrative of Chelsea’s defensive saga takes another turn, laden with anticipation and the promise of strategic recalibration.