5 Chelsea players who have improved under Thomas Tuchel

Manchester City v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League Final
Manchester City v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League Final

#3 Mason Mount

Liverpool v Chelsea - Premier League
Liverpool v Chelsea - Premier League

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

Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League
Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League

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

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final
Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final

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.

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Edited by Aditya Singh
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