The 3-4-3 formation deployed by Thomas Tuchel since his arrival at Chelsea has had more hits than misses. It helped Chelsea into maintaining a defensive fortress for the most part but eventually hindered their attacking progress. The Chelsea boss has since used a 4-3-3/4-2-2-2 formation on the odd occasion and fans saw the Blues excel in attacking fluidity.
With a new owner and a transfer window at his disposal, Tuchel is looking for a change and it starts with the potential of Raphinha to Chelsea.
The Athletic reports that Chelsea’s pursuit of Raphinha is due to the manager's desire for an “aggressive winger at his disposal”. The report continues to suggest that there is a possibility that 4-4-2 could be used, with the addition of Raheem Sterling.
As successful as the 3-4-3/3-5-2 formation has worked out, it is essential to assess the benefits and just how beneficial a change would be. A back four would only work with a trustworthy defence. Does Chelsea currently have this? Well, right now they barely have a defence. With Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and now potentially Marcos Alonso on the way out, the Blues will need to rebuild. Chelsea are said to be one step closer to securing Matthijs de Ligt, however, another fullback to replace Alonso would be essential.
Ian Maatsen will be expected to have a chance to compete in the upcoming pre-season tour for Chelsea. If successful, this toughens up their left-back options with Ben Chilwell in the starting role. Maatsen has however found success as a wing-back having played there throughout last season on loan to Coventry City.
With Chelsea looking at Raheem Sterling and Raphinha as options, it is clear that either player would operate on either side of a front three or as wide players in a 4-2-2-2. Kai Havertz would look to be the favoured forward in the centre as Romelu Lukaku confirms his return to Inter Milan. In this case, a back four would allow for more creativity, especially with Mason Mount playing from deep in midfield and Conor Gallagher alongside him.
Following Chelsea's 3-0 win against Burnley in 2020, Mount explained why playing in a deeper midfield role works so well for him. He said: "I am a No.8 and a midfielder. I have always been in my whole career, so it is natural for me to play in there and I know I have started a bit wider this season, but I love playing in midfield. It is my position and the fluidity we had in the game with the wingers [was good today].”
A change from playing out wide back to midfield would suit the English international perfectly. There's another dimension of creativity to unlock with Mount playing from deep and Raphinha and Sterling doubling up with Reece James and Ben Chilwell on the flanks. If executed correctly, and Chelsea are able to get these two important signings over the line, there's no telling what's to come.
There is one piece of scepticism with Tuchel’s plans of reverting to a back four. Is a natural defensive midfielder a necessity for this window? Or will Jorginho be enough?
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