Ben Chilwell’s Future at Chelsea: Content but Uncertain
Ben Chilwell finds himself in a curious position at Chelsea. Despite being a fan favourite and an integral part of the squad since his arrival from Leicester City, the England international is now on the periphery under Enzo Maresca’s management. GiveMeSport has reported that while Chilwell is content to remain at Stamford Bridge, he’s fallen down the pecking order, and potential moves are still on the table as European transfer windows remain open.
Chilwell’s Tactical Misfit Under Maresca
Maresca’s tactical setup at Chelsea has redefined the roles of full-backs, which has seen Chilwell struggle to fit into the new system. At Leicester City, Chilwell thrived in a more traditional full-back role, where he provided width and an attacking outlet on the left side. His record of nine goals and eleven assists in 106 appearances for Chelsea speaks volumes of his offensive contribution. However, Maresca’s approach at Chelsea involves full-backs transitioning into central midfield or forming part of a back three, a tactical nuance that Chilwell hasn’t adapted to seamlessly.
As a result, Marc Cucurella has overtaken Chilwell as the first-choice left-back, with new signing Renato Veiga also ahead in the hierarchy. This situation has left Chilwell on the sidelines, excluded from the matchday squads for the first two Premier League games this season, inevitably fueling speculation about his future at the club.
Transfer Market Movements: A Temporary Solution?
According to GiveMeSport, Brentford expressed interest in Chilwell earlier this week but ultimately signed Jaydon Meghoma from Southampton instead. Manchester United were also linked with the 27-year-old, but no formal talks took place between the clubs. This leaves Chilwell in a precarious position, where a loan move abroad seems to be the most plausible scenario.
With his reported £200k-per-week wages at Stamford Bridge, any potential suitor would need to negotiate a wage split, similar to Raheem Sterling’s deal with Arsenal. The Netherlands, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia are potential destinations, as their transfer windows remain open. However, a move to the Middle East appears unlikely, with the Turkish Super Lig window still open until September 13th being a more viable option.
Chilwell’s Role at Chelsea If He Stays
If Chilwell remains at Chelsea, a critical discussion with Maresca looms large next week. It’s understood that Chilwell is not keen on leaving Stamford Bridge unless a perfect opportunity arises. His value within the squad as a senior player is still recognised, but his reduced role means he’s unlikely to feature in crucial matches. Moreover, his exclusion from Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad highlights the limited opportunities that lie ahead for him this season.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Disappointed Chelsea Fans Feel Chilwell’s Diminished Role Is Unjustified
As the transfer window drama continues, many Chelsea supporters are concerned about Ben Chilwell’s marginalisation under Enzo Maresca. For a player who has consistently delivered on the pitch, his sudden drop in status raises eyebrows. Chilwell’s attacking prowess and defensive reliability make him a valuable asset, yet the current tactics leave little room for his traditional style of play. Fans are understandably frustrated, seeing a top-tier player potentially being wasted.
However, the silver lining could be a well-negotiated loan deal. A temporary move abroad might allow Chilwell to regain his form and adapt to new tactical demands. Should he prove his versatility elsewhere, Chelsea could benefit from a reinvigorated player upon his return. It’s also possible that this period of uncertainty could push Chilwell to evolve his game, fitting more snugly into Maresca’s system.
That said, the scenario leaves Chelsea in a difficult position. Letting go of a player of Chilwell’s calibre could backfire if injuries or form issues strike Cucurella or Veiga. The club needs to tread carefully, balancing squad depth with tactical fit, as they navigate through this complex situation.
Statistical Analysis by EPL Index
Ben Chilwell’s current form at Chelsea is under intense scrutiny, especially considering his reduced playing time under Enzo Maresca. To understand his contribution, it’s crucial to delve into the performance data and stats provided by Fbref. The radar chart above offers an illuminating insight into Chilwell’s strengths and weaknesses compared to other full-backs over the past 365 days.
Strong Offensive Contributions
Chilwell’s attacking output stands out, with his non-penalty expected goals (npxG) ranking in the 95th percentile, a testament to his ability to get into threatening positions. His xAG (expected assisted goals) and xG+xAG (combined expected goals and assists) also shine, placing him in the 90th percentile. These figures highlight Chilwell’s significant role in Chelsea’s attacking phase, consistently contributing to goal-scoring opportunities, even if his minutes on the pitch have been limited.
Defensive Solidity
Defensively, Chilwell remains robust. His percentile rankings for clearances (95), blocks (95), and tackles plus interceptions (90) indicate a player who excels at neutralising opposition threats. His ability to win aerial duels is also noteworthy, ranking in the 95th percentile, which is impressive for a full-back. These stats suggest that despite his attacking inclinations, Chilwell does not neglect his defensive duties, maintaining a balanced game that makes him an asset in both phases of play.
Possession Play and Areas for Improvement
In terms of possession, Chilwell’s numbers are respectable but less dominant. His progressive carries and passes both rank in the 85th percentile, showing his capacity to drive the ball forward. However, his passing attempts and pass completion percentages fall lower, indicating areas for improvement in Chelsea’s possession-based style under Maresca.
Chilwell’s performance data and stats underscore a player who is still highly effective in key areas, even if his current tactical fit at Chelsea is uncertain. With more opportunities, these figures could see further improvement, re-establishing him as a crucial player for the Blues.
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