At the time of writing, it hasn’t been confirmed whether Chelsea wingback Ben Chilwell has sustained an ACL injury but he will, at least, be out until January.
Marcos Alonso will, therefore, have to take up the responsibility but the Spaniard won’t be able to play every game until Chilwell returns to full fitness.
Saul Niguez has played as a left-back for Atletico Madrid in the past and supporters on Twitter have been debating whether the loanee could be used as a backup wingback:
I like the idea man
— Taron Sachdeva (@CFCTaron) November 24, 2021
He’s played there before and is comfortable there.
— Connor (@CFC_CONN) November 24, 2021
But does Saul have the athleticism? Can he bomb up and down that flank? These are genuine concerns.
— Владймир Ильйц Ульяноь (@OluwafemiMaduka) November 24, 2021
I really want to see how Tuchel bring out the best out of Saul just like he did to other players…rooting for Saul ngl
— s 🚀 (@whyclicking) November 24, 2021
I wouldn't mind him playing there since he is adept at that position but isn't that the reason he left Atletico Madrid
— In My Footballing Opinion (@AcretionDisc) November 24, 2021
The incidence was a necessary requirement to have Saul's CFC dream come through.
He must know that even though he hates playing wingback, cfc wingbacks are pseudo midfielders.
This position suits him best.
He's though, have average speed like Alonso, yet ball like James.— DR. B L U E S (@Dcube06871398) November 24, 2021
If Saul wants to make is mark… this is the time
— Clarence (@ClaroClarence) November 24, 2021
Saul is not quick enough to be a wing back. We need to trust Marcos here.
— CFCArjun (@arjun_cfc) November 25, 2021
It is believed that one of the reasons why Niguez left Atletico was because he was playing out of position under manager Diego Simeone. Reports suggest he was promised he would be playing in central midfield for Chelsea.
Breaking such a promise may have been problematic if Niguez was playing but his lack of game time means he may well be open to a switch in position. Whether Thomas Tuchel starts to utilise the 27-year-old on the left flank, we shall have to wait and see..
