Mauricio Pochettino makes quick Nicolas Jackson U-turn after difficult Chelsea start
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may be tempted to consider rejigging his system after watching Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer thrive on international duty. The duo starred in England Under-21s’ 3-0 win over Luxembourg on Monday night and both impressed in their respective roles.
Palmer was signed by the Blues late in the summer transfer window from Manchester City in a deal worth £42.5million as Pochettino attempted to add versatility to his frontline. At first glance, the forward looked to have been brought in to provide an alternative option out on the right wing – where he predominantly played at the Etihad Stadium.
However, it was soon revealed that Palmer is viewed as a No 10 by the Blues’ higher powers. Pochettino has persisted with a fluid 3-4-2-1 system so far this season, with limited success, and if the ex-Tottenham boss watched England’s Under-21s put Luxembourg to the sword, he may now think about implementing a tactical switch.
Palmer was deployed behind ex-teammate Liam Delap and thrived in the role, grabbing a goal and an assist for his efforts. The 21-year-old swept home a sensational strike in the 67th minute that ricocheted in off the crossbar and into the back of the net to ensure that Lee Carsley’s side kicked off their Euro qualification with a win.
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The match also highlighted that Palmer’s relationship with Madueke which could prove a key asset for Chelsea going forward. The duo effortlessly rotated into each other’s roles to pull defenders out of position and open up pockets of space down the right.
Madueke has struggled to make an impact since his arrival at Stamford Bridge from PSV but having a player like Palmer next to him, with whom he has a link-up, could help. Palmer likes to roam onto the right and that could help Madueke given it will offer him a passing outlet and someone else to help keep defenders occupied when he’s on the ball.
The winger registered an assist against Luxembourg and was an ever-present threat down the right with his tricky dribbling and direct runs down the flank.
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With the Chelsea squad looking likely to switch to a more traditional variation of the 4-3-3 at some stage, with Ben Chilwell failing to take his chances as a full-back slash winger, Pochettino must consider the relationship between Madueke and Palmer when selecting his starting eleven and the impact that a ready-made partnership would have on the overall cohesion of his team.
Raheem Sterling has shone so far this season and a switch to the left is unlikely to hinder his form. He would be the likeliest candidate to complete a front three with Nicolas Jackson and Madueke in a 4-2-3-1.
It remains to be seen whether the international break has had the impact that many Chelsea supporters were hoping it would on their side and whether Pochettino will change up his underwhelming system.
But England’s U21s have certainly given him food for thought. There’s every chance the set-up could be exactly what Chelsea need after a frustrating few results.
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