Report: Out-of-favour defender handed midfield role in Chelsea’s friendly win

Trevoh Chalobah was handed new Chelsea role by Graham Potter in a friendly win

According to The Athletic (Subscription Required) (h/t Evening Standard), Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah was handed a new role by manager Graham Potter in a behind-closed-doors victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Potter, who arrived earlier this month as the new manager replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel, deployed the young defender in midfield in a game that was played at the weekend before the international break.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last time around when he made 30 appearances. However, he has only started one of the six league games so far this season. The arrival of new signings in defence pushed him down the pecking order. Maybe that could be the reason why Potter is trying him in midfield.

Because of the lack of game time this season, Chalobah is contemplating leaving the club in January. Italian side AS Roma are interested in signing him in the winter.

But, with Chelsea struggling for options in midfield due to the absence of N’Golo Kante and games are scheduled to come at a rapid pace once the international break is over till the start of the World Cup, there could be an opportunity for the academy product to cement his place in the team in a position he has played in before.

The 23-year-old, who has had spells at Huddersfield Town, FC Lorient and others in the past, has the qualities to be a good defensive midfielder. He is good on the ball, reads the game well and being a centre-back, he is physically and aerially strong.

And more importantly, he has played in that position before. He regularly played in that position for Ipswich Town and Huddersfield in the past. But playing in that position in the PL against some of the world’s best players is different gravy.

Now, it solely depends on the player whether he is ready to make this transition. If he wants game time at Chelsea this season, playing in defensive midfield could be the best bet.

From Potter’s viewpoint, it would be important to try the player in that role in a few competitive games before making a decision on him. With the 23-year-old also keen on moving on if the game time is not available, it’s better the trials happen in games before the World Cup.

More Chelsea News:

• AC Milan struggle with injuries to key players with the Chelsea game coming up
• Juventus are preparing a deal for Chelsea superstar N’Golo Kante
• Transfer News: Ajax Edson Alvarez remains a priority for Chelsea in January

If this move works, it can turn out to be a masterstroke by the manager that can not only benefit the club, but also the player going forward.