Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino nearly made a costly mistake earlier in the week during the win against Tottenham.
In our view, Monday night reinforced why Marc Cucurella needs to start at left-back over Levi Colwill.
When Chelsea’s line-up this Sunday is announced versus Manchester City, we’re desperate for Mauricio Pochettino to recall 25-year-old defender Cucurella to the starting XI.
Levi Colwill belongs at CB or the bench
We think that the decision to play Colwill at full-back against Spurs nearly cost the team, so we only want to see him playing left-back as a last resort.
The 20-year-old defender has enjoyed a decent debut season so far in the Blues first-team, becoming the latest academy graduate to make a breakthrough at Stamford Bridge.
However, he never looks at his very best whenever he plays left-back. We’ve noticed he’s a lot more comfortable in his natural centre-back position.
For us, Colwill should be a starting centre-back or cover on the bench in the games ahead.
Spurs winger Dejan Kulusevski, who scored on Monday, put Spurs in front when his shot deflected in via Colwill. Afterwards, a chaotic game led to two Spurs red cards and a 4-1 win for Chelsea.
Play Marc Cucurella at LB
Cucurella’s mini revival this season deserves big credit after a tough season last year.
There’s no doubt that the Spanish defender is the best fit and available option right now for the left-back spot, so we want to see him starting every game in that position. This should start at the weekend at home to Man City.
Speaking via BBC Sport last month, Pat Nevin said that Pochettino is starting to get the best from Cucurella.
He’s a natural left-back that knows the position inside out, offering both offensive and defensive qualities.
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