Thomas Tuchel has been handed a huge dilemma ahead of the season with both Kalidou Koulibaly and Levi Colwill at Chelsea's disposal. Surprisingly, the latter faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge amid the former's arrival.
But, the Blues boss understands the responsibility of nurturing Cobham's brightest stars. On the west Londoners' pre-season tour in the United States, Tuchel spoke about the importance of protecting a pathway.
He said: "You always need to find the balance between protecting the path for the guys from the academy and for being able to win. It also doesn't help a young player just to rely on him, and he can't deliver in the first weeks the level that we expect from him, and the fans expect. That would help nobody."
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Tuchel highlighted Trevoh Chalobah as an example for Chelsea's next generation to follow. He said: "Trevoh came here as a loan player, and I didn't know him very well, but he stepped up after five or six weeks of pre-season and was reliable. It's in the players' hands – I will never judge somebody because of age or because he is from the academy or from a fantastic club in Europe. That does not matter."
The German then added by suggesting Koulbaly's arrival could in fact help Colwill's development. Tuchel said: "They are responsible for their career, and of course, if we can sign somebody that guarantees a higher quality at the moment, this is the way that young guys learn from these signings. Or if we think it's better to be on loan, then this is the way."
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how Tuchel could set Chelsea up this season that sees both Koulibaly and Colwill co-exist in the team.
3-4-3
This formation has been synonymous with Chelsea since Tuchel took the helm at Stamford Bridge, with the back-three playing a pivotal role in the Blues' excellent defensive record. Antonio Rudiger played an important role on the left of the backline and Colwill could follow suit.
Colwill, who has been likened to John Terry in the past, predominantly operated on the left of a back-three while on loan at Huddersfield, enjoying much of his success threading passes through into his midfielders, winning aerial duels and defending with wisdom beyond his years. He painted himself as the perfect template for Chelsea's next stalwart.
4-3-3
While a back-four formation would likely hinder Colwill's game time at Chelsea, the youngster's versatility means that he can deputise for Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Koulibaly. With that being said, Colwill would then be following Tuchel's gospel; new signings can help the Cobham star develop.
Colwill featured sporadically at left-back for Huddersfield last season, though a role on the left of a back three would likely better suit him. Even if Chelsea bring in another defender this summer transfer window, Colwill is still well positioned to earn his stripes.
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