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Chelsea FC appointed Thomas Tuchel in January 2021 to add tactical strength to the squad, hoping to bind new signings into the squad. This came after the Blues had sacked Frank Lampard. It is safe to say that this has been a successful choice so far. Tuchel managed to transform an underperforming Chelsea squad into Champions League winners.
They currently sit at the top of the Premier League table and are strong favorites for the title.
Tuchel has completely changed the shape and style of football Chelsea play. He started with a three at the back formation that is solid and difficult to break down and is also efficient at breaking the opposition press. Going forward, he employs two wide playmakers who are supported by two wing backs and two central midfielders that control the tempo of the game.
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This new system has benefitted many players in the Chelsea squad, so on that note, let's take a look at
5 Chelsea players who have improved under Thomas Tuchel
#5 Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen's playing time under Lampard was fairly irregular. Under Tuchel's reign, Christensen has formed a solid defensive relationship with Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger. With Thiago Silva not being able to play often, Christensen is a reliable choice who has often been given a place in the starting X1.
The 25-year-old Danish center-back has made considerable improvements under the new defensive system. He is now averaging almost three more interceptions per 90. He is very effective at pressing in the defensive and middle thirds, helping Chelsea regain possession multiple times.
Christensen will now hope to enter his prime. He will look to provide Tuchel with important defensive depth as Chelsea look to go all the way in every competition this season.
#4 Marcos Alonso
With just 11 starts across the whole of last season, Marcos Alonso looked to be a figure who was out of favor with both the old boss. However, since the turn of the 2021-22 season, Alonso has started every game but two for Tuchel's Chelsea.
The 30-year-old spanish wing back seems to have revitalized his career as he continues to make a large contribution to the Chelsea attack. He has also improved his earlier weaker defensive game. Alonso now averages double the number of tackles and interceptions per game compared to what he had last season.
Alonso's game used to be heavily dependent on running past his teammates. He almost played as a secondary striker when his team had possession in the final third. However, Tuchel has helped him gain a healthy and effective balance. He is now a big goal threat and also maintains the team's solid defensive shape.
#3 Mason Mount
The most important player in Lampard's system, Mason Mount managed to find his feet under the new boss as well. He is at the heart of almost every Chelsea attack. Operating primarily as a central playmaker under Lampard, Mount has excelled playing as a wide playmaker under Tuchel.
The 22-year-old Englishman provided valuable width to the Chelsea attack. He drags defenders away and in-turn creates space for others to make runs into the box. On the ball, he often drifts into the center of the field where, like under Lampard, he creates opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Mount averages more than five shot creating actions per game, compared to 3.5 in his first full season at Chelsea.
Mount was an integral part of Tuchel's Champions League success, and has now been nominated to win the Ballon d'Or.
#2 Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger has slowly turned into one of the most influential players at Chelsea, becoming the dynamic center-back in a three-man defense. Rudiger's vulnerabilities were clear under Lampard's Chelsea. However, his strengths came into the spotlight with his weaknesses effectively covered in Tuchel's system.
The 28-year-old German defender is taking full advantage of the prime of his career. He is fantastic at breaking the opposition attack, averaging 1.86 blocks and 1.2 interceptions per game, utilizing his aggression, speed and physique.
With two center-backs covering for him, Rudiger has been given the freedom to carry the ball out of defense. He often helps break the opposition's press and transition play into attack through his wide passing range. This is one of the most important aspects of Tuchel's tactical set-up.
#1 Jorginho
Jorginho was perhaps the most overlooked player in the Premier League during previous years. He has now quickly become a world class midfielder in the eyes of most football fans since playing under Thomas Tuchel.
Under Lampard, Jorginho looked lackluster, not having much impact on the game, leaving the defense vulnerable to attack while playing in a single pivot.
In Tuchel's system, Jorginho is often paired in a two-man midfield. He has three center-backs behind him, helping him focus on dictating the flow of the game.
The 29-year-old Italian helps with the quick and effective transition of play from defense to attack. This is a quality that has been invaluable to both Chelsea as well as the Italian national team.
His instrumental performances have seen him win the Champions League and the UEFA EURO 2020 title last season. These titles and his performances have made him one of the front runners to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
