You would have all noticed a tweak in Thomas Tuchel’s formation in recent matches, going from the 3-4-3 that we have grown familiar to seeing, to now lining up with more of a 3-4-1-2.
This formation suits players like Mason Mount, who has been thriving in the hole, or the number 10 position with a lot of freedom. However, other players like Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic have had to make do with watching on from the bench, and this is because both players are best playing as wingers.
It would be amazing if you guys subscribed for my project over at Si & Dan Talk Chelsea, where we are putting out so much Chelsea content including DAILY Newsletters, exclusive news, breaking news, Podcasts, interviews, inside information, and bringing in some massive guests!
Of course, Chelsea have not played with out an out wingers since Tuchel took charge, however, in the 3-4-3 they both played as the wide 10s, and this suited them still. But in the current formation with two strikers and one 10 in behind, there are less starting spots that either player can play in.
Pulisic CAN play as a number 9, and I actually do like it when he is in and around the box a lot he can actually be a good poacher. However, his best position will still be as a winger, and the same goes for Hudson-Odoi, who can play as a wing back/wide midfielder, but his best position will always be as a winger, or as a wide 10.
I do like this new formation, because I think it has the ability to bring the best out of our two main strikers, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. For Timo, he always looks more comfortable alongside another striker, and without having to be that sole focal point up top.
Whilst Lukaku likes to drift wide, work the channels, drop in, and he can do this much more when there is another striker next to him.
For Kai Havertz as well the 3-4-1-2 suits him, because he could be equally as effective in the 10 or as a 9, with him also liking to drift and enjoy more of a free role.
But it does concern me for players like Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic if we stay with this formation that they wont be getting much game time unless of course they are prepared to play out of their favoured positions. But then will that be fair and ever get the best out of them? I don’t think so.
Hakim Ziyech would be fine, because he is actually probably second choice behind Mount to play in the 10 position right now, so there is plenty of game time there for him and to be honest I actually think he is better in the 10 position rather than playing wider.
Pros and cons as always, but I do fear for Callum and Christian a little if we stick with this formation.
