'They haven't been there': Gus Poyet admits two Chelsea players have featured less than anyone expected
Gus Poyet thinks Chelsea are suffering without the full-back combination of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
Gus Poyet has told FourFourTwo that everyone would have expected both Reece James and Ben Chilwell to be starting games together this season.
However, the two English defenders have picked up injuries in the current campaign and Poyet says it has had an impact on the team’s consistency.
James recently returned from a hamstring problem, but Chilwell remains sidelined.
Levi Colwill has been playing in the 26-year-old’s position this term, but he struggled against Manchester United last night and was criticised for his role in their second goal.
Gus Poyet discusses Reece James and Ben Chilwell
Speaking about Chelsea’s difficult season in an interview with FourFourTwo, the former Blues player said: “It’s been a very difficult season, difficult to find consistency because of not being able to play the same team week in week out.
“At the start of the season everyone thought, ‘OK, Reece James and Ben Chilwell’, but they haven’t been there.
“You need to adapt, and the lack of results put a little bit of pressure on the team. It was a tough start. I think the last few victories will help, they were quite good and with that, confidence will grow.”
Chelsea missing Reece James and Ben Chilwell combo
What probably made Chelsea successful under Thomas Tuchel was how well they mastered playing 3-4-3 and the combination of James and Chilwell at wing-back.
They were so dangerous going forward and in a back five, the two England stars and the rest of the Blues’ backline were able to defend so well.
Since their injury woes, Chelsea have just not been the same outfit. Colwill has done a good job at left-back, while Marc Cucurella has not been terrible this season.
However, neither player brings the attacking threat that James and Chilwell offer when they are on the pitch together.
There are obviously more reasons for Chelsea’s downfall. For example, the lack of a consistent goalscorer is really not helping the club. But we cannot forget what a fully fit Chilwell and James were able to add to this side.
With those flying wing-backs on the pitch, Chelsea would probably be doing much better. But they have not been able to stay fit and Mauricio Pochettino has moved the team away from a back three anyway.
from Breaking Chelsea News and Updates - The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/9ui6Tsa
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