Pat Nevin tells the formation change that can help Saul Niguez at Chelsea
Speaking to the official club website (h/t Metro), former Chelsea ace Pat Nevin opined that a 3-5-2 formation can help Saul Niguez at the club and that Thomas Tuchel should continue using the tactic more often.
This season has seen the German experiment with a 3-5-2 system at the club. The former PSG and Borussia Dortmund boss switched to three central midfielders against Tottenham Hotspur in the second half of their London derby and the Blues ran out comfortable winners.
The same tactic was then applied against Manchester City in their last league game. Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, and N’Golo Kante started in a midfield three, but the Citizens still ran out 1-0 winners.
However, Nevin believes that Tuchel should be patient with the system and it should not be discarded just because it failed to be effective against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Moreover, he holds the opinion that a midfield-three can also help Saul Niguez, who signed on a loan deal from Atletico Madrid in the summer, adjust to the Premier League.
“Another thing that becomes clear now is that the recruitment of Saul also makes more sense when you want to play three in the central midfield area and they have to play at a ruinously high tempo. They must get rest games in this style, so another midfielder is good planning.”
With the Blues now faced with the task of taking on Juventus in Turin this week, Nevin has asked for common sense to prevail but believes two strikers up top against Juventus’ four-at-the-back could be an enticing tactic away from home.
“Two up top for Chelsea, even away from home in the Allianz Stadium in Turin, might still be a temptation. It would certainly be brave but with enough energy and belief this can work incredibly well away from home.”
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The formation makes sense due to the fact that both Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku can play together while Saul can also get more game-time in midfield without having to displace the current starters in that position.