Three players who will not benefit from Sarri's system

Huddersfield Town v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Sarri barking orders from the touchline

Maurizio Sarri entered Stamford Bridge as the new head coach of Chelsea following the departure of the volatile Antonio Conte. A lot has and will change at West London, from the approach designated by the manager to the club's philosophy and much more.

From a coach of the caliber of Conte, who asked for defensive discipline, more work from his wing-backs and a different structure from his players, the Blues shifted to a completely new system under Sarri.

The former Napoli boss is a completely different manager from Conte in many ways. Neither does he believe in playing three center-backs, nor does he enjoy the transfer window. The 3-4-3 formation played by Chelsea for nearly two years underwent an instant reshuffling when Sarri took charge.

They now play with a 4-3-3, with full-backs and not wing-backs, two center-backs and not three of them, three midfielders and not two of them. Apart from the shape and structure of this side, the style of play with the inclusion of Jorginho and two centre-halves differs too.

A lot of players have been chopped and changed to complete the Sarri'ball' concept. While the likes of David Luiz and Ross Barkley have gone straight into the starting line-up, some others who were regular starters under the previous Chelsea boss haven't played a part so far this season.

Here are three players who will not thrive under Maurizio Sarri:

#3 Andreas Christensen

Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Christensen hasn't yet played a minute in the PL

Andreas Christensen was one of the rare players who transitioned from the youth setup to the first-team as Conte preferred him over Luiz and club captain Gary Cahill. After a successful loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, he was brought back instead of being sold permanently.

With Sarri fairly impressed by David Luiz, who has exceptional ball-playing abilities and energy on the pitch, it looks as though the Danish defender, who made 40 appearances in total last term, will have to wait to prove his worth to the new manager.

He only featured in one outing in pre-season, in the goalless draw versus Lyon. Since the start of the league, the 22-year-old has only made the bench on both occasions for the Blues - against Huddersfield and Arsenal.

#2 Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Arsenal v Chelsea - International Champions Cup 2018
Arsenal v Chelsea - International Champions Cup 2018

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in English football for his performances over the last 12 months or so. A loan-spell at Crystal Palace that ended due to injury was enough to earn him a call-up by Gareth Southgate.

However, he hasn't yet established himself in the Chelsea line-up. The player who joined the club at the tender age of 8 has only made 33 appearances for the Blues. In fact, he was not even included in the Matchday squad by Sarri, who called it a 'tactical decision.'

There are no doubts regarding his prowess, as he is more than just a central midfielder. Such physicality, speed, technical ability and vision altogether encapsulated in a 22-year-old is a rare commodity to have in modern-day football.

Tipped by many as the next Frank Lampard of the club, Loftus-Cheek has unfortunately seen himself drop down the pecking order following the arrival of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. He may not get many minutes this season under Sarri either, regardless of his potential.

#1 Victor Moses

Manchester City v Chelsea - FA Community Shield
Moses was an unused substitute against Arsenal

Victor Moses wanted out of Stamford Bridge a couple of years ago. Two back-to-back defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Arsenal led to Conte's change in approach, which definitely changed the fortunes for Chelsea as they went on to win the Premier League title after a mid-table finish the season before.

When the Italian opted to play three men at the back, he deployed Moses at right wing-back. The 27-year-old was a surprise inclusion as he hadn't been a regular at the club prior to that.

He thrived and set the stage on fire, helping his side to the PL trophy. Now that Chelsea play four at the back again, Pedro and Willian are likely to be preferred over the Nigerian at right wing. Unfortunately for Moses, he might have to warm the benches again this season.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram
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