Gabby Agbonlahor told Thomas Tuchel to test out a different formation to the typical 3-4-2-1 he usually uses at Chelsea.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Aston Villa striker suggested a return to the old fashioned 4-4-2 for Tuchel’s team.
Tuchel’s transformation
The German coach has pretty much stuck with one system since he took over from Frank Lampard, who rather infamously changed his set-up around very frequently.
Chelsea changed from a back four to a back three, whilst wing-backs replaced the natural wide players.
Three attackers lead from the front, with a false nine often spearheading the trident before Romelu Lukaku joined over the summer.
It is a formation that has generally worked wonders for Tuchel, especially from a defence viewpoint.
Only up until recently have the results started going awry and the approach been put under investigation.
Stitches coming undone
Perhaps the biggest issue facing Chelsea right now is the number of injuries that continue to crop up in the camp, meaning some players have played out of position.
For example, Christian Pulisic began as a right wing-back against Brighton & Hove Albion last night, whilst Reece James started on the left.
James had to be replaced in the first half after picking up an injury, meaning Marcos Alonso came off the bench.
This removal of the England international soured the mood inside Stamford Bridge, not to mention Tuchel’s temper.
“We can try to find players who are ready to play. We have no more wing-backs, everybody is injured,” said the Blues boss on his side’s upcoming game with Liverpool.
Tuchel needs to try something different
Despite the manager’s moans, Agbonlahor believed he had more than enough quality in reserve to handle the absences of several squad members.
He said: “Where do I start with Tuchel? I looked at Chelsea’s bench (vs Brighton): (Kai) Havertz, Alonso, (Malang) Sarr, (Trevoh) Chalobah, (N’Golo) Kante, Saul Niguez, (Hakim) Ziyech, (Ross) Barkley. What’s he moaning about?
“He even said after the game he can’t play any wing-backs. Well, play a 4-4-2 for one game, I’m sure you’ll survive, with Azpilicueta right-back, Chalobah, (Antonio) Rudiger, Alonso.
“Most teams in the Premier League would chop your arm off for that defence. So, stop moaning and get one with it.”
Of course, there is no reason why Tuchel cannot implement a new formation for a standalone fixture.
However, doing so just days before hosting Liverpool is probably not wise.
But, maybe this rapid reversion to a more dated method is the exact jolting Chelsea need to alter their fortunes.
Being deployed at full-back might actually suit the ageing Alonso and Azpilicueta, as they are not required to rampage up and down the field as often.
We’ll leave this one to you, Thomas.