It's out with the old and in with the new for Chelsea football club. Todd Boehly has already made some changes to Chelsea's hierarchy with Bruce Buck switching to a senior advisory role from his chairman position. Marina Granovskaia also appears to be on the way to making her exit from the club after 19 years in the office. Chelsea fans everywhere can expect a difference to the way the club is run moving forward. Should they also expect a difference in their style of play too?
The Blues have made their targets known loud and clear. Whilst they are yet to have any of their defensive transfer such as long term target Jules Kounde over the line, their attacking targets have been revealed and could change the entire dynamic.
If there is one thing that fans have probably learnt during Thomas Tuchel's time in charge at Chelsea, it's that Mason Mount is a guaranteed starter. Not only is he a footballer of immense quality, he is also undoubtedly a fan favourite. He realised this after his first ever Chelsea match against Wolves in January 2021 where Mount started on the bench. The problem Tuchel may face going forward is finding a place for Mount if Chelsea manage to sign their two attacking targets, Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele
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3-4-3
Since his arrival at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel has favoured the 3-4-3 system. It started off as a formation to combat the Wolves set up in Tuchel's first match, but it was so strong that Tuchel decided to continue using it. Since then, the Blues have stuck to the status quo, only deviating from their preferred structure a handful of times.
With Chelsea looking at Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele as options, it is clear that either player would operate on either side of the front three. Kai Havertz would look to be the favoured forward in the centre as Romelu Lukaku plans his exit to Inter Milan. But where does that leave Mason Mount?
A midfield duo consisting of either N'golo Kante, Jorginho or Mateo Kovacic is inevitable - so does this imply that Mason Mount could be outside of Tuchel's starting XI plans? It would not be the most favoured scenario for Chelsea fans but it could be one that unlocks a new level of creative football within the team.
3-5-2
Sometime Thomas Tuchel would opt for a two up front system instead. With Sterling's eye for goal and Havertz's technical ability, the pair could make for a mouth-watering partnership. With this in mind, Mount could operate as a floating 10 or even in a much deeper playmaking role. His time spent in Chelsea's academy and with Frank Lampard showed just how technically sound he is as a midfielder.
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 - but there is still one problem with this formation. What happens to Ousmane Dembele? The 25-year-old France international is not keen on leaving Barcelona for a position on the bench. Luckily there is still another way to accommodate him, Sterling and Mount in one team.
4-3-3
Bringing back the 4-3-3 formation could encourage more free flowing football and could see everybody happy. With Havertz leading the line, Sterling and Dembele can play along side him with Mount occupying his most 'natural' position in midfield. Everybody wins!
It seems like Tuchel is not usually n favour of a back four with Chelsea but has been open to the idea on more than one occasion last season. With the flow of injuries in the Chelsea squad and lack of depth, Chelsea had been forced into a four at the back formation and Tuchel made the best out of it. Using it in back-to-back games against Tottenham, he managed to secure maximum points and positive results. The football playing style wasn't so bad, either.
There's another dimension of creativity to unlock with Mount playing from deep and Dembele 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. It'll be scary hours for the opposition, especially with the likes of Conor Gallagher potentially doubling up with Mason Mount in that midfield trio.
What formation would you choose? Let us know in the comment section below!
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