Chelsea have built a really deep squad over the last couple of years, integrating youth players with smart signings, and they’re really reaping the benefits now.
Not only does that depth allow the team to cope with injuries – as they have in recent weeks with Mateo Kovacic, Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner all missing significant time – it also means a very high level of competition for minutes.
Shaun Wright-Phillips knows all about that, after battling with the likes of Joe Cole, Arjen Robben and Damien Duff for minutes in his time at the club.
Speaking to Football.London, he noted some of the second string stars who have come in and impressed him in recent weeks when others have missed out:
“I watched Hakim the last two games, and he’s been fantastic. I think that’s him back to why Chelsea bought him initially with his passes, nice touches and his chance creation,” SWP explained.
“Callum Hudson-Odoi has come in and been scary brilliant as well. Ross has been brought in from the cold and played really well and Loftus-Cheek.”
Now some of those starters are coming back, the competition hots up even more, and we get to see a little more about who Tuchel’s first choices will be going forward.
