How Chelsea could line-up next season under Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino could get the best out of an £88m signing but there might not be a place for a struggling England star if he takes over at Chelsea… so, is this how the Blues will line-up under the Argentine next season?
- Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is the frontrunner for Chelsea job
- Reece James is likely to be an important player despite Malo Gusto’s arrival
- Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund could be the man to solve Blues toothless attack
Chelsea are set for a major revamp this summer and Mauricio Pochettino could be the man to lead the project.
The former Tottenham manager is now the frontrunner to replace Graham Potter, who was sacked earlier this month after just seven months in charge of the Blues.
Despite spending a remarkable £541million since Todd Boehly’s takeover last summer, Chelsea are likely to be one of the big spenders again. And Pochettino, if he is to take over, could make a number of changes from the current set-up.
The Argentine will have a decision to make regarding goalkeepers, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy both failing to impress between the sticks. One or the other will have to leave if he decides to opt for a new player in the position but it’s the Spain International who looks to have the advantage.
As seen during his time at Tottenham, Pochettino likes attacking full-backs after enjoying success with Kyle walker and Danny Rose on both sides of the pitch.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is the frontrunner to replace Graham Potter
Chelsea have spent heavily since Todd Boehly’s takeover and are likely to be busy this summer
Chelsea will be boosted by the signing of the highly-rated Malo Gusto from Lyon next season but Reece James is expected to be a vital player in the team despite being hampered by injuries this term. The left-back position looks to be a straightforward one, with Ben Chilwell the first choice and Marc Cucurella his deputy.
Thiago Silva’s illustrious career will continue next season after he signed a new deal to stay in west London for another year in February.
It would come as no surprise if the Brazilian was to be a regular starter next season. Despite being 39 years of age, he has been one of Chelsea’s more consistent players in an underwhelming season.
RB Leipzig Josko Gvardiol will be of interest to many of Europe’s top clubs. Chelsea came close to signing the Croatian last summer having been in talks with the German club and they look likely to make another attempt to land the defender.
N’Golo Kante looks to have overcome his injury problems after featuring in both matches against Real Madrid and he will partner £107m man Enzo Fernandez in a two-man midfield, similar to what Pochettino did with Victor Wanyama and Moussa Dembele at Tottenham.
Chelsea came close to signing Josko Gvardiol last year and are likely to make another attempt
Despite being hampered by injuries, Reece James is likely to continue to be a key player
Kai Havertz has been a largely frustrating figure since his move from Bayer Leverkusen due to inconsistency but has started regularly under Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and Potter. The Germany international is also the club’s top goal scorer this season with nine goals across all competitions.
Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku will join for £63m, though no official announcement has been made. The Frenchman will slot straight into the team and occupy the No 10 role, a position taken up by Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli under Pochettino at Tottenham.
Mykhailo Mudryk has so far failed to live up to expectations since his £88m move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January. The Ukrainian is yet to score in 10 Premier League appearances and has just two assists to his name.
But if reports are to be believed, Pochettino provided a roadmap for Mudryk’s development during his meeting with Chelsea and It’s believed the club’s hierarchy were left impressed.
The Blues invested a lot into the winger and are likely to do everything possible to get their money’s worth having beaten London rivals Arsenal to his signature.
Chelsea have struggled to score goals this season having found the net just 30 times in the Premier League. To put it into context, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has 32 on his own. Only Southampton (27), Wolves (27), Nottingham Forest (26) and Everton (25) have scored less.
To put it bluntly, it’s an issue that needs addressing.
It would come as no surprise if Kai Havertz was to be a regular starter under Pochettino
Pochettino could be the manager to get the best out of Mykhailo Mudryk after a poor start
Sportsmail understands Chelsea are interested in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund
Romelu Lukaku will return from his loan at Inter Milan this summer but a future at Chelsea look unlikely. Sportsmail understands Chelsea are interested in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund to solve some of their problems in attack.
Word has it that Chelsea invited Atalanta chairman Antonio Percassi to their recent Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge and Hojlund’s availability was among the topics of conversation.
Atalanta want £60m for the 20-year-old, who has scored five goals in his two starts for Denmark and is shaping to be a huge star. United are well aware of him, as are title-chasing Arsenal.
Chelsea XI under Pochettino – as pictured below: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Reece James, Thiago Silva, Josko Gvardiol, Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante, Enzo Fernandez, Kai Havertz, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Rasmus Hojlund
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