Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino given meals for thought after England U21s win

Sep 11, 2023 at 8:25 PM
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino given meals for thought after England U21s win

Chelsea supervisor Mauricio Pochettino could also be tempted to think about rejigging his system after watching Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer thrive on worldwide responsibility. The duo starred in England Under-21s’ 3-0 win over Luxembourg on Monday night time and each impressed of their respective roles.

Palmer was signed by the Blues late in the summertime switch window from Manchester City in a deal price £42.5million as Pochettino tried so as to add versatility to his frontline. At first look, the ahead regarded to have been introduced in to supply another choice out on the fitting wing – the place he predominantly performed on the Etihad Stadium.

However, it was quickly revealed that Palmer is seen as a No 10 by the Blues’ larger powers. Pochettino has persevered with a fluid 3-4-2-1 system to date this season, with restricted success, and if the ex-Tottenham boss watched England’s Under-21s put Luxembourg to the sword, he might now take into consideration implementing a tactical swap.

Palmer was deployed behind ex-teammate Liam Delap and thrived within the function, grabbing a aim and an help for his efforts. The 21-year-old swept residence a sensational strike within the 67th minute that ricocheted in off the crossbar and into the again of the web to make sure that Lee Carsley’s aspect kicked off their Euro qualification with a win.

The match additionally highlighted that Palmer’s relationship with Madueke which might show a key asset for Chelsea going ahead. The duo effortlessly rotated into one another’s roles to drag defenders out of place and open up pockets of area down the fitting.

Madueke has struggled to make an affect since his arrival at Stamford Bridge from PSV however having a participant like Palmer subsequent to him, with whom he has a link-up, might assist. Palmer likes to roam onto the fitting and that might assist Madueke given it is going to provide him a passing outlet and another person to assist hold defenders occupied when he is on the ball.

The winger registered an help in opposition to Luxembourg and was an ever-present risk down the fitting together with his difficult dribbling and direct runs down the flank.

With the Chelsea squad trying prone to swap to a extra conventional variation of the 4-3-3 at some stage, with Ben Chilwell failing to take his possibilities as a full-back slash winger, Pochettino should contemplate the connection between Madueke and Palmer when choosing his beginning eleven and the affect {that a} ready-made partnership would have on the general cohesion of his crew.

Raheem Sterling has shone to date this season and a swap to the left is unlikely to hinder his kind. He could be the likeliest candidate to finish a entrance three with Nicolas Jackson and Madueke in a 4-2-3-1.

It stays to be seen whether or not the worldwide break has had the affect that many Chelsea supporters had been hoping it might on their aspect and whether or not Pochettino will change up his underwhelming system.

But England’s U21s have actually given him meals for thought. There’s each likelihood the set-up may very well be precisely what Chelsea want after a irritating few outcomes.