Andy Townsend said one of Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic might leave the club at the end of the season as he questioned where they fit into Tuchel’s system.
It is very clear that there is no conventional winger role in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 structure.
As an attacking player, you either play in the two No.10 roles, as a No.9, or adapt and play as wing-back.
Callum Hudson-Odoi adjusted brilliantly to the right wing-back role, while Kai Havertz has now become one of the centre-forward options.
The same cannot be said about Ziyech and Pulisic, however.
The winger pair, who was among the first names on Frank Lampard’s team sheet when fit, has yet to rediscover their best form under Tuchel.
Townsend even claimed that one of them might leave the club at the end of the season.
“I’m not sure how easy this is going to be for them [Pulisic and Ziyech] under Thomas Tuchel,” the former Chelsea midfielder told Premier League Productions (via Metro).
“I think both of these guys, with the Tuchel set-up, have to get going pretty quickly, I really do.
“I’m not sure that they’re going to do that.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see one of them leave this summer. I wouldn’t be surprised at all.
“I don’t think Pulisic wants to sit on the bench and I think Ziyech will get bogged down a bit. His body language hasn’t been great.”
Chronicle view
Townsend might have referred to Ziyech’s looking unhappy when he was subbed off in the second half on Saturday.
Having been the top dog at Ajax, it is easy to see why he seems to be frustrated with his first season at Chelsea, particularly with the injuries that he had.
The fact that Tuchel has named Ziyech as starter in three of the last four games suggests that he still has faith in the the 27-year-old.
While about Pulisic, the German has already clarified that the American is in his Chelsea plans.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
