David Luiz’ errors against Roma cost him his place in the lineup before Christmas, as Andreas Christensen burst into the side with a string of amazing performances.
In the months after that, Antonio Rudiger gradually supplanted Gary Cahill in the lineup.
But since then, Cahill has squeezed out Christensen and forced his way back into the team.
Those are the benefits of having numerous top players battling for positions. Those in form can play, those out of form can ride the bench.
Cahill suffered at first, but now is benefiting from the meritocracy. As he said in a recent interview with Goal: “you don’t just become a bad player overnight.”
That’s certainly true, and Cahill has now not tasted defeat in a Blue shirt since February. His placement in the centre of the back three allows Azpi and Rudiger to take advantage of their pace covering the wing backs, while also protecting Cahill from that aspect of the game.
He’s now established as first choice again, and can expect to stay there for the rest of the season as it stands. A World Cup place with England is back on the cards.
