Carney Chukwuemeka has revealed he is "most comfortable" playing as a left central midfielder in a three-man midfield as the Chelsea midfielder opened up on what he is doing behind the scenes to improve.
The 19-year-old signed for the Blues in August of last year from Aston Villa in a deal that virtually came out of nowhere. There were no rumours or speculation of Chelsea's interest – it was, if you like, an old fashioned transfer.
Thomas Tuchel, who was head coach of Chelsea at the time, spoke to Chukwuemeka and assured the teenager of playing time in his first season with the club. Under Tuchel, the midfielder didn't make a single appearance, but that has changed under new head coach Graham Potter.
Chukwuemeka has played nine times in all competitions under Potter and is becoming an increasingly important member of the squad as the season goes on. During the World Cup break, where multiple Chelsea players were representing their countries in Qatar, Chukwuemeka stayed behind at Cobham and also travelled to Abu Dhabi for the warm weather training camp.
As reported by football.london last month, Chukwuemeka left Potter mightily impressed with his application and ability during the winter break. That has been in evidence in recent weeks, with the teenager seemingly becoming more trusted in the Chelsea midfield.
There is still a question mark regarding his best position, however, with Chukwuemeka playing in a variety of roles across the midfield. We've seen him play as the most advanced man in a three-man midfield and we've also seen him play on the left-hand side of the trio.
The teenager has now revealed he feels the most natural when playing as the left central midfielder in a three. However, he also explained the benefits and freedom of playing a bit further forward.
"I'm probably most comfortable as a left eight in a three," he said to Chelsea's official website. "But further forward I can drift off the line, or stay out wide. It gives me that freedom to drive with the ball and receive it in pockets.
"Growing up in the academy at Villa I did play in multiple positions in midfield and the forward line. I was used to it, and used to learning different roles playing for England as well at youth level.
"I have had to adapt throughout my career so far. It is always good to be versatile. You never know when you will be needed in different positions."
Chukwuemeka has also been working on his overall fitness and physicality behind the scenes at the Cobham gym as well. The former Aston Villa man is really starting to reap the benefits of the hard work, as he continued: "It has improved me a lot physically and powerfully as well.
"I've been noticing a difference from earlier in the season. I feel sharper as well, running with the ball."
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