Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has praised the signing of Marc Cucurella alongside the Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly acquisitions and believes the new signings will 'push' him and the squad to work harder.
The Blues kicked off their Premier League campaign on a good note after a Jorginho penalty late into first-half injury time allowed Thomas Tuchel's side to escape Merseyside with a much-needed three points. Alongside Sterling and Koulibaly who were two of the standout performers, the 25-year-old full-back also featured and showed signs that he was starting to re-discover his groove amid concerns pre-match that Tuchel may only use him in the first half as a consequence of his rusty pre-season.
However, Chilwell lasted longer than expected and made the desired impact. His run into the Everton box once collecting a long-pass from Kalidou Koulibaly caused Abdoulaye Doucoure to foul him. A big contribution which alongside Jorginho's strike and the solid defending from the backline amid Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella's successful debut made Tuchel's decision to start him over the newest recruit the correct one in this situation.
READ MORE: Chelsea match Man United record as £143m transfer decision pays off for Thomas Tuchel
Whether or not the Spaniard starts against Tottenham or sits on the bench at the expense of Chilwell remains to be seen but whatever the outcome, the Blues' number 21 is relishing the competition for places that the three new signings have brought.
"We're a team in transition and we're trying to work together. We've got new players that have been integrated in and a new ownership so we're still working hard and taking every game as it comes," he told the 5th Stand App. "Just to come back to the Premier League with the boys and get the win was the main thing.
"It was amazing to see them all having amazing impacts on the game. They're bringing a lot of strength to the squad. It's going to push all of us to keep working. When you bring quality players in it gives a boost to the group."
As already mentioned, Antonio Conte's side, who themselves picked up a win on the opening day against Southampton, awaits next and the feeling within the Chelsea camp is positive despite the increased threat their London rivals possess this season following a rather productive transfer window.
Chilwell added on next weeks clash: "Of course [looking forward to it[. It's the big one, isn't it? Tottenham at home, buzzing for that. We've got a week to prepare and work hard to get the three points."
Chelsea fans - who would you start in that left-wing-back position next weekend against Tottenham, Ben Chilwell or Marc Cucurella and why? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
READ NEXT:
Chelsea player ratings from 0-1 over Everton
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea face fresh questions after summer of change
Jamie Redknapp questions Armando Broja as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Chelsea transfer justified
