The hub of most teams is the midfield but for Mauricio Pochettino it is perhaps the true epicentre to success. Just like the rest of his coaching identity, there is a demand for total buy-in and commitment to the cause. The same may be true for all top teams but Pochettino in-particular places physical demands over tactics in a way.
It is his belief that you can outwork a team even when you can't out-tactic them. The very basics of the game are evident when his sides play at full intensity. It could, in some ways, be compared to Jurgen Klopp's identity via intensity mantra.
To go with that there are few better as a midfield powerhouse than N'Golo Kante. His unique skillset make him one of very few players that can operate in midfield like he can. His relentless energy, speed on the press and ability to read the game and anticipate passes and angles is practically unrivalled.
READ NEXT: Mauricio Pochettino has first Chelsea signing 'confirmed' after Todd Boehly makes £52m decision
That is just one player though - even if he does often appear to act as a two-in-one at times - and Pochettino needs his entire team to pull in the same direction. If the Argentine is appointed the next head coach at Stamford Bridge then the first place he will look to settle and cement is the midfield.
At Tottenham this came in the form of Moussa Sissoko, Moussa Dembele and Victor Wanyama. Three engines to run the game, box-to-box talent with quality in possession. Often functional rather than flashy, this trio allowed the players further forward protection, freedom and solidity to do their work.
For Chelsea there are no other natural fits outside of Kante for those two roles. It is an area that needs to be addressed. Enzo Fernandez is more of a Marco Verratti-type player but that is no issue, the Italian had great success under Pochettino too. What will be needed is the source of energy from a third source.
Be it the mixture of a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 that Pochettino often used at Spurs, Chelsea's midfield No.8s were once a thing of pride. Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount offering dynamic partners to Jorginho and Kante, now they lack the same presence. Mount, though, is a player that could be reborn from his hellish season should he commit to more years at SW6.
Should he not, however, then Pochettino would be dealt a major blow. The 51-year-old is expected to take to Mount like all of his predecessors. Gareth Southgate, Frank Lampard, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel all put immense faith and trust in the Englishman, he never let them down.
Now, with Mount facing a potential exit from the club the need to find a replacement is a very real demand that could need addressing. In true Pochettino style though, the answer may already be found from within. He is not the type of manager to make blank cheque requests, blow down the house with rage at a transfer or be outlandishly bullish with his demands. Pochettino is resourceful and luckily has plenty of tools in his shed.
Chelsea didn't spend over £50m last summer on teenagers for no reason. They added more names to the list of under-21 talents in January too and have the exciting Brazilian prospect of Andrey Santos to welcome in. When he is granted a visa to come and play in England - as appears likely following his national team exploits - he is one destined for the first team.
At £12m he already looks to be a bargain. For Brazil he has made his senior debut as well as captaining up two age-groups for the successful under-20 side. As a powerful but technically gifted and versatile midfielder, he is exactly the style and mould of player that Pochettino will be planning to shape.
It would be big shoes to fill should Mount leave and he be given the immediate keys to the influential and important role in the team, but as a midfielder it will be a priority for Pochettino to get right.
READ NEXT:
Christian Pulisic faces Chelsea transfer deadline with Mauricio Pochettino decision looming
Latest Chelsea injury news as five miss Arsenal with Havertz return and Koulibaly update
Chelsea owner makes Mauricio Pochettino 'announcement' amid LA talks and crucial meeting
Arsenal told to avoid perfect Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea signing with transfer warning
How Chelsea can beat Arsenal in title repeat with 2 Lampard undroppables and Pochettino audition
