Darren Bent thinks the Chelsea team looks totally transformed when they’ve got Reece James and Ben Chilwell starting together as wing-backs.
Chelsea booked their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this week by beating Borussia Dortmund, with the team selection definitely playing a big role.
Graham Potter decided to use a back three with wing-backs, which is a system that definitely helps the Blues.
Chilwell, who was “different class” against Dortmund, had non-stop energy at left wing-back. He provided a crucial assist for Raheem Sterling’s goal, too.
Meanwhile, James looked dangerous and such a huge influence on the opposite flank as the right wing-back.
TalkSPORT pundit Bent picked out Chelsea’s wing-backs are stars of the show against Dortmund.
He noticed such a big shift in Potter’s side with the England internationals starting together in their best roles.
“When you’ve got that pair of full-backs (James and Chilwell), they’re up there with one of the best pairings in the Premier League, and they’re your best form of attack, you’ve got to utilise them,” Bent told talkSPORT.
“He goes to a back three [against Dortmund] and look how much better they look.”
Let’s hope James and Chilwell can get a run of starts together in the months ahead, because injuries so often prevent this from happening.
The pair offer so much as attacking threats that the wing-back positions suit them down to the ground.
Chelsea left-hand side against Dortmund was really encouraging with Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, so perhaps that is a combination that can continue. Likewise, the right-hand side with James and Wesley Fofana looks rock solid.
There has been very little consistency in Potter’s starting line-ups since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, but results will improve if these partnerships start to develop on the pitch.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.