Key Player Traits Identified by Mauricio Pochettino for Chelsea’s Squad
Chelsea’s recent defeat to Liverpool has highlighted a crucial area where the team is lacking, according to Mauricio Pochettino. Despite the Blues’ massive spending on new signings, Pochettino believes they still need to bring in a player who excels at taking set-pieces. Currently sitting in 10th place in the Premier League table, Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for European football are looking bleak.
Under new ownership, Stamford Bridge has undergone significant changes over the last year. Pochettino has had the challenging task of integrating an almost entirely new team, and it’s clear that there are still areas that need improvement. The Argentine manager emphasizes the need for a specialist in set-piece delivery, as the team’s success in this area is limited without the right player.
During a press conference, Pochettino revealed that Chelsea’s coaching staff works extensively on set-pieces and even has a group of analysts dedicated to this aspect of the game. However, the quality of the player ultimately determines the effectiveness of these set-pieces. While Ben Chilwell may be good at delivery, there is no specialist in the squad to take advantage of these opportunities.
Pochettino compared Chelsea’s situation to that of other clubs, such as Wolves and Manchester City, who have players with exceptional set-piece abilities. He emphasized the importance of having good takers and how they can significantly impact a team’s success in set-piece situations. Pochettino pointed to James Ward-Prowse at Southampton as an example of a player who has transformed West Ham’s set-piece effectiveness.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager made it clear that it’s not solely about the work put in on the training ground but also about having players with the necessary skills. He believes that adding a specialist like Ward-Prowse would increase Chelsea’s chances of converting set-pieces and ultimately improve their performance on the field.
Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture is against Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. It remains to be seen if the club will address Pochettino’s concerns and make a move for a player with exceptional set-piece abilities. As the team continues its quest for European football qualification, the need for a specialist in this area becomes increasingly apparent.
In conclusion, Mauricio Pochettino has identified a key player trait that Chelsea’s squad is lacking: a specialist in set-piece delivery. Despite their significant investment in new signings, the Blues have struggled in this aspect of the game. Pochettino emphasizes the importance of having players with exceptional set-piece abilities, highlighting the impact they can have on a team’s success. The Argentine manager believes that adding a specialist in this area would significantly improve Chelsea’s performance and increase their chances of qualifying for European football.