Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has been explaining how his side were able to beat Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup last night.
Chelsea were convincing winners in the second leg of their semi-final tie against Middlesbrough, managing to win 6-1.
And after the game, Ben Chilwell told the BBC that Chelsea’s press was vital in their victory.
The left-back was making his first start since September following a serious hamstring injury.
He made an appearance from off the bench in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Fulham the game prior to yesterday’s, and Steve Nicol thought the Blues actually looked better when he was introduced for that Premier League affair.
Ben Chilwell highlights Chelsea’s pressing in Middlesbrough win
Chilwell says Chelsea’s pressing was key to beating Michael Carrick’s men.
Speaking after the game, the 27-year-old said: “We brought the energy and knew the crowd would get behind us if we started well and we knew it was important to get an early goal and we did that. Our press was important.
“I think we pressed really well and caught them out a few times. At half-time 4-0, it was nice but it was important that we keep that momentum and didn’t give them a chance.”
Ben Chilwell should be Chelsea’s first-choice left-back
With Chilwell fit again, Mauricio Pochettino really needs to consider starting the Englishman at left-back in the Premier League.
Levi Colwill has been playing there this season, but he is a central defender by trade and just does not offer the same kind of attacking threat that Chilwell does.
Against Middlesbrough, the former Leicester City man completed two dribbles. No one made more, with several other players also managing two (WhoScored).
If Chilwell is fit, then, left-back is where he should be playing, not left wing. The question now, though, is can the England international actually remain fit? It is a problem Chelsea have had to deal with for a few seasons now.
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