Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel to deploy Saul Niguez in the full-back position
According to The Sun, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested that he plans to use Saul Niguez as a wing-back amid Ben Chilwell’s absence.
The Spanish international’s Chelsea career has so been a disappointment. He has failed to adapt to the Premier League and has proven to be a poor investment for the Blues thus far.
This season, Niguez only featured in a mere three games in the English top-flight, and his performances have been nothing to write home about. In his recent cameo, he was substituted off after half time mark against Watford.
The 27-year-old player’s recent performances landed him in hot water with Chelsea manager, Tuchel. The German has admitted that doesn’t know how far the Spaniard can go given the same level of performance.
With Niguez failing to impress from his midfield position, Tuchel appears keen to give him a run-out as a wing-back. In a recent press conference, the former Dortmund manager discussed the idea of playing him in a different position.
“I think he could play in a wing-back role.”
The 48-year-old manager also suggested that the former Atletico Madrid player’s adaptation to the new position in training sessions has convinced the coaching hierarchy that he could take up the role in coming games. Whether that is something Chelsea will in fact try out remains to be seen.
“We sometimes do this in training; that’s why we have the impression he could be a good fit. Maybe in the next games, we have to try it.”
The decision from the Blues manager could be thanks to Ben Chilwell’s injury. The English international has been the West Londoner’s first-choice full-back of late and his absence will be noticeable. But, after his injury, With Marcos Alonso also dropping off, it remains to be seen if Niguez will grasp the opportunity with both hands.
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On the bright side of the story, Saul could take this up as an opportunity to rejuvenate his Blues career. We have seen players who changed positions in the past, only to rejuvenate otherwise flagging careers. The Spaniard could certainly turn things around if he performs well in his new role.
The Spaniard was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 3-2 loss to West Ham earlier today. Clearly Tuchel does not feel confident enough to use Niguez against Moyes’s high flying Hammers.
