How The Blues could potentially lineup as Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus transfer decision made
Darwin Nunez, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Lewandowski, Raheem Sterling, Ousmane Dembele, Gabriel Jesus, Lautaro Martinez, and Jonathan David
I hope you’re keeping score. These are just a few of the attackers connected with a summer move to West London as Thomas Tuchel looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
There are major personnel decisions to be made, with Romelu Lukaku apparently wanting out and any of Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, or Hakim Ziyech potentially for sale.
Tuchel’s attack might look drastically different come August, according to recent reports on those the Blues could try to sign.
Todd Boehyl reportedly made a transfer choice by guaranteeing Tuchel that he will have final say over who he brings to the club as well as who he discards as he continues to rebuild.
Chelsea are interested in Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, according to The Telegraph, who might be moved this summer because his contract expires in 2023.
The English winger has scored 109 goals and assisted 56 times in 320 Premier League appearances for City and Liverpool over the last five seasons.
According to the same report, Sterling’s City counterpart Gabriel Jesus has been offered to Chelsea, who, like Sterling, has only one year left on his current contract, with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham also interested in the Brazilian.
Purchasing both appears implausible, especially given the necessity to address Lukaku’s future, which appears to be a stumbling block before any signings can be completed. But consider how Tuchel’s offence may look with Sterling or Jesus on the field.
3-4-3 – with Sterling
Tuchel has used the same formation for the duration of his career, with two number 10s sitting right behind a focal point.
This lineup has been somewhat variable, especially during the Champions League run, with Mason Mount looking like one of the first guys on the teamsheet, with two of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, or Christian Pulisic joining him.
Things changed with the arrival of Lukaku, but if the Belgian leaves, Tuchel will likely revert to a more versatile frontline.
Sterling is known for playing off the left, with the majority of his minutes in 2021/22 coming from that side, but he has previously played from the right and even through the centre.
Chelsea would be acquiring a versatile player who is not reliant on a single sport to make an impact.
3-4-3 – with Jesus
You have to be versatile, as many City attackers are under Pep Guardiola, and Jesus has proven himself to be just that to stay a trusted figure in a highly competitive position.
The majority of his minutes are still spent in the centre, but 2021/22 saw a modest shift to the right wing, where he made 15 appearances and scored three times while assisting seven times.
If he stays, he will most likely battle for the central role alongside Havertz and possibly Lukaku.
Mount normally drops deeper, and a front-two with the English midfielder as a 10 straight behind might see both Jesus and Havertz combining as a lethal strike combo.
Other variations
Tuchel shown his versatility in the 2021/22 season, employing a 4-1-4-1, 4-3-3, and 4-2-2-2 formations, notably during the winter months when choices became scarce.
Tuchel may use Conor Gallagher as one of his inverted wingers or offensive midfielders with the return of Conor Gallagher, and both Sterling and Jesus could fit into three or four places if either joins.
The combination of Ousmane Dembele and one of City’s attackers makes sense. Their profiles match Tuchel’s system and could contribute to the movement and productivity Tuchel has been looking for.
Tuchel clearly enjoys the versatility and isn’t afraid to rotate frequently. Sterling and Jesus have both demonstrated that ability under Guardiola.
ALSO READ:
- Mason Mount to ‘force Man Utd player to leave’ as trio ‘drawing’ him to transfer
- Why Erik ten Hag is confident Manchester United can beat Man City in FA Cup final
- Chelsea star’s gesture at full-time all but confirms summer departure
- Mauricio Pochettino signs three-year deal to become new Chelsea manager
- Bayern Munich target likely to play for Manchester City next season: Fabrizio Romano
- ‘So smart’: Kevin De Bruyne jokes Man City teammate can play in about 19 different positions
How The Blues could potentially lineup as Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus transfer decision made
