Thomas Tuchel hinted that Saul Niguez could be deployed at wing-back due to his extensive work on the Chelsea training ground.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League meeting with West Ham, Tuchel offered Saul up as an option for the relatively vacant position.
Right now, the Spaniard would probably play in goal to get some more minutes on the pitch.
His time as a Chelsea player has been nothing short of sickly.
The 27-year-old’s only two Premier League starts have both been ended by half-time, due to his inability to cope with the ferocity and intensity of the division.
He was dragged off at the interval during the mid-week win over Watford, with many doubting a return would be on the cards.
Getting a break at wing-back
Fortunately for Saul, Chelsea’s injury list might be a blessing in disguise.
Ben Chilwell looks set to be absent until at least the New Year, meaning the left wing-back slot remains up for grabs.
Marcos Alonso is the first-choice debutant, yet the defender cannot play every match.
Which means others have to step up when Alonso rests.
Looking beyond Cesar Azpilicueta, there are no more obvious alternatives to Chilwell or Alonso.
“I think he could play in a wing-back role for us, even if we play like a dominate game or offensive game, because he is very strong at arriving in the opponent’s box,” said Tuchel about using Saul in an untraditional role.
“He is very strong at finishing and has good timing to arrive at the second post with his head.
“We sometimes do this in training.
“That’s why we have the impression he could be a good fit and maybe in the next games we have to try it, simply have to try it, because Chilly is out long term and a lot of games are coming and we can’t put every game on Marcos’ shoulders.”
It’s not unsual
Featuring at wing-back wouldn’t actually be the strangest thing in the world for Saul.
Before he joined Chelsea on loan as a deadline day recruit, the midfielder played two fixtures for Atletico Madrid out wide.
Whether we will see such a move in blue is another matter.
But it’s certainly an avenue Tuchel could explore if times get really tough.
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