‘Going to be key’: Chris Sutton names the two Chelsea players who are vital for them this season

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Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton thinks Reece James and Ben Chilwell are going to be key for Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell both started in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool last weekend, but the Blues will be without the former for their game against West Ham United tomorrow after he picked up a hamstring injury.

Speaking about the two full-backs on It’s All Coming Up, Sutton said: “I mean, their full-backs are like wingers essentially, aren’t they? Chilwell and James, they’re going to be key for them this season.”

Chilwell played a huge role in Chelsea’s equaliser versus Liverpool in his side’s Premier League opener, heading the ball into Axel Disasi’s path before the Frenchman put it past Alisson Becker.

Reece James injury a huge blow

Pochettino will be hoping that Chilwell can continue to be an attacking threat down the left flank, especially with James now out.

The 23-year-old is often so dangerous on the opposite side and is now Chelsea captain, so not having him available is a major setback.

He made two key passes in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge — no Chelsea player made more (WhoScored) — showing what he brings to the side going forward.

Malo Gusto now has a chance and will be expected to take James’ place when the Blues travel to the London Stadium.

Given James’ injury record, the French youngster is someone Pochettino may find himself having to rely on often this term, so hopefully he can get up and running quickly with a strong performance against David Moyes’ men.

Chelsea have already lost Christopher Nkunku to a knee problem, so to now be without James is disappointing.

They have a big squad, though, and Pochettino is a good enough coach to find solutions to such dilemmas.