PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea Might Bring on Surprise Alternate of Cucurella Against Liverpool

There are several challenges that Enzo Maresca‘s team faces in facing a formidable Liverpool side after the international break. Among them is that key men such as Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella will be absent on yellow card accumulation grounds. The question that readily comes up in people’s minds is who would step into play at left-back for this big game at Anfield. However, while Chelsea does boast at least Renato Veiga as an even more obvious remedy, there are a few wild-card remedies that Maresca may have to look towards if they are to respond to Cucurella’s departure. And give a tough fight to Premier League table toppers.

Renato Veiga: The First Choice Replacement For Chelsea

One possible replacement from the field is 19-year-old Renato Veiga from Portugal. Since his transfer to Chelsea from Basel, he has impressed, showing himself to be adaptable and capable at left-back, as well as other positions. His last match against Gent in the Conference League is only going to increase his hopes. Hopes of being picked to start at Anfield.

It will prove to be a testing task for the youngster Veiga, who might clash with Mohamed Salah one of the world’s deadlier wingers. Still, Veiga’s ingenuity to turn inside and support the attack may make him an appealing option for Maresca. Only if he was given the nod to start against Liverpool would the quality passing and tactical acumen that Veiga is known to possess shine.

Malo Gusto: Another Huge Member in the Race

Gusto would be a decent alternative to the left-back for Chelsea. Gusto, in pre-season, was tried at the left back despite being more natural on the right-hand side. If Maresca feels he needs more experience in the team, then he could play Gusto on the left and Axel Disasi on the right.

This would mean, however, that Gusto has to adapt fast in a less common playing role since Reece James is still recovering from his hamstring injury. Gusto should provide an excellent and positive account of his game in placing pressure on Liverpool’s attack with his energy, work rate, and defensive abilities. However, playing out of position against a side like Liverpool could be a gamble. Especially if the players are not completely at ease.

Levi Colwill: The Versatile Defender

Another player in Chelsea, Levi Colwill, has been presented with openings in defense. The player has left-wing exposure and played 16 games on the flank last season. This would put him in line to replace Cucurella. However, with the dire performance of Colwill as a center-back this season, there is no chance Maresca could think of disrupting this central defense pair.

As if taking him out of his normal center-back position wasn’t enough. It would mean Chelsea will have to recreate an entirely new center-back pairing for a vital game against Liverpool. And this can be an absolute recipe for disaster. Thus, Maresca is going to field someone in left-back. So Colwill might very well be left out, even though he could play anywhere.

Ben Chilwell: A Trusted Soldier for Chelsea

Although Ben Chilwell is out due to an injury, he may be back when least expected. And maybe provide the fans with a surprise. However, considering that he still working on his recovery, risking playing him against such a huge rival might be a bad idea. If Chelsea can play Chilwell, it would be fantastic. Since he is an experienced and proven left-back, he may help the team destroy Liverpool’s attack.

One of the benefits of adding Chilwell would be his ability to overlap and assist his attack. This adds another dimension to Chelsea’s game. He cannot, however, start at Anfield due to the injury. And Chelsea does not want to play him when there is still potential for him to aggravate his injury.

Conclusion

Chelsea travel to Anfield, arguably one of their toughest tests this term, and without key man Marc Cucurella. Of course, there’s an obvious replacement in Renato Veiga. But a few wildcard solutions might be what Enzo Maresca has up his sleeve. Could be moving Malo Gusto to the left, seeing Levi Colwill get a go. Or maybe tempting fate by risking Ben Chilwell’s early return is precisely what options Maresca is with. It doesn’t matter what decision that is, Chelsea will have to be at their best if they are going to stand a chance against Liverpool. But it will be interesting to know the opinion of the fans. Opinion on whom they want to start and why. Apart from this, one thing for sure, this game is going is going to be a thriller. And there is no better entertainment than seeing two Premier League giants clash.

A trusted source on ChelseaNews.com

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