Chelsea find themselves three points clear at the top of the Premier League table as we head into the international break.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have lost just one of their 11 games this season, picking up eight wins and two draws along the way.
Special delivery. 📮 pic.twitter.com/UxWiRqjlWN— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 9, 2021
Special delivery. 📮 pic.twitter.com/UxWiRqjlWN
It goes without saying that Chelsea’s squad is packed with world-class stars. In every position, the Blues boast strength in depth.
Yet, with Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner sidelined through injury – and other key players like N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic still finding their feet this term – Chelsea’s threat is coming from other areas.
Tuchel invariably uses three center-backs, along with two wing-backs. The German’s approach has seen both Reece James and Ben Chilwell thrive in recent weeks.
On the right, James has contributed four goals and three assists in only eight Premier League appearances this term.
The 21-year-old has also featured in two Champions League games and two EFL Cup games, chipping in with another assist in the process.
Over on the left, Chilwell has scored three goals in five Premier League outings this season. Given that he missed the opening six games, that is an impressive record.
Marcos Alonso started the first six games for Chelsea this term, contributing one goal and one assist along the way.
We have also seen Cesar Azpilicueta feature in the right-back role at times. The Spaniard has chalked up three assists in 13 games across all competitions this season.
Chelsea’s wing-backs aren’t just effective in attack, though. They are more than happy to track back and do the dirty work.
It is no coincidence that Tuchel’s side boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded just four goals in 11 matches.
James and Chilwell are proving to be indispensable assets for the Blues, as they can both attack and defend to great effect.
As things stand, Chelsea find themselves in pole position to clinch the title. There is still a long way to go, of course, but the early signs are promising.
If James and Chilwell continue to chip in with goals and assists on a regular basis, they could prove to be the difference between Chelsea and their title rivals.