‘Ben is a full-back, I know’ – Pochettino explains why he’d keep playing Chilwell in attack

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Ben Chilwell played as a left-back during pre-season and impressed massively, as Chelsea played free-flowing and exciting football.

However, Chilwell has had to play an advanced role in attack since the season started.

Chelsea fans have bemoaned the new system, particularly with Chilwell in attack on the left flank.

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has now defended his actions.

He said: “Ben is a full-back, I know, but he can help the team in different positions.

“I think in the animation of the team that Ben Chilwell created more chances than any other player. I think in the national team Ben played in a similar position.”

Pochettino also revealed that the loss of Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka has disrupted the balance of his team, as he said: “All the coaching staff feel disappointed when you lose players and, of course, it affects the team as they were two players in our plan.

“We need to accept it and adapt — That’s why sometimes we changed and tried players in different positions to try to get the best balance.”