Do Chelsea have the DMs to fit Tuchel's philosophy?

Brief summary of Tuchel’s favoured DM-profile

Ball retention and progression

Ball-retention amongst Tuchel’s 3-2 base is often the first step in attacks as it attracts the opposition’s press, which in turn, creates the space between the lines for play to be progressed. The DM is pivotal in such, as they often apply the “first move” in positional rotation, which allows their teammates or themselves to create optimum passing angles for vertical distribution. It is this positional rotation which attracts the opposition’s press more effectively and makes the opposition more vulnerable to vertical attacks.

While all players within the 3-2 base are required to be press-resistant and excellent on the ball, this requirement is amplified ten-fold for the DM. This is as, while Tuchel’s CMs and CBs mostly rotate into wide positons where opposition pressure may be less, the DM often takes up center-most positions whereby opposition pressure is at its peak. Therefore, it is vital that Tuchel’s DM be excellent, both in, resistance to press and in distribution of the ball.

Defending alongside CBs

In addition to being excellent on the ball, the defensive role of the DM is what makes Tuchel’s attack tick. In attack, Tuchel favors dedicating many numbers forward, often setting up in a 6-4 formation, with 6 in attack and 4 in defense. This 4 in defense usually shapes in a 3-1 formation, with 3-ATB. When Tuchel lines up in a 4-ATB (e.g. a 4-3-3), the DM is responsible for becoming that “3rd CB”, whereby the DM defends alongside both natural CBs, often covering ground along the flanks in the instance of transitions/counters. This feature is important in a Tuchel DM, as Tuchel favors controlling possession and attacking using a medium-to-high defensive line.

In terms of lining up with a 3-ATB, having 3 natural CBs, relieves the DM of becoming that 3rd CB, and instead, allows the DM to solely defend as that 1 ahead of the 3 in the 3-1 formation. This 1 still requires the physical ability and capability to be defensively astute, however, won’t be required to cover the ground which would’ve been otherwise required in a 4-ATB formation.

Do our current DMs meet such profile?

Jorginho

Jorginho, one of the most polarizing figures at Chelsea, remains at the tip of most Chelsea fans’ tongues, especially as his contract soon comes to an end. “Should we sell? Should he stay? Should we renew?” are the questions which linger over this player’s name. I believe, Jorginho has all the characteristics in ball retention and progression needed to fit the profile of DM needed under Tuchel. While Jorginho may not show the “true ceiling” of his ball distribution (for many reasons, including, poor ball-retention from our attackers/to minimize risk of turnovers), it is clear that Jorginho possesses the ability to be the vertical ball-playing DM that Tuchel favors. That being said, what about defensively?

This is where it gets blurry, as I do not believe Jorginho has the physical nor defensive capacity to take up that role as a “3rd CB” in transitions, if we play a 4-ATB (e.g. 4-3-3). When Chelsea plays a 3-ATB, Jorginho is relieved of such role and is given the less demanding defensive role of defending ahead of 3 CBs. That said, I still believe that Jorginho is too physically limited to fulfill the thorough responsibilities of defending ahead of 3 CBs, despite it being less physically demanding.

With that, my verdict is, while Jorginho is a fantastic player and has done wonders for Chelsea, we won’t be able to see the full fruits of Tuchel’s 6-4 formation in attack, as long as Jorginho plays at DM; this is as, we will always need an extra player to support him, thus, taking out a player which would’ve been originally dedicated to our attack.

Billy Gilmour

Billy Gilmour, despite having an underwhelming loan at Norwich, is one of Chelsea’s brightest prospects. Much like Jorginho, Billy possesses the ball retention and progression ability, to be the perfect Tuchel DM. However, from a defensive point of view, Billy, much like Jorginho, do not possess the physical capacity needed to defend alongside both CBs, and thus, would not be the perfect candidate at DM for Thomas Tuchel.

That said, not all hope is lost for Billy, as unlike Jorginho, I believe Gilmour possesses the attacking ability (dribbling, agility, shooting etc.) to function further up the pitch, both in no.8 and 10 areas. As a result, I believe Billy Gilmour can become a fantastic CM at Chelsea, playing in a Kovacic/Kante role where he is able to roam and impact the game in both halves of the pitch.

 In conclusion, I would say that Billy Gilmour reminds me of a Marco Verratti, a player who was very successful under Tuchel as a central midfielder, and a player Billy can look up to if he wants to break into this team come next season.

Ethan Ampadu

Ethan Ampadu, I believe, is one of Chelsea’s hidden gems out on loan last season. From a ball-retention and progression point of view, Ampadu is perfect for the DM role under Thomas Tuchel. Furthermore, Ethan possesses the physical and defensive capability to function/defend alongside both CBs, which I believe, makes him the perfect candidate at DM.

A player who is experienced at CDM, CB and fullback, Ethan Ampadu is the perfect candidate to become the DM Tuchel needs to implement his philosophy. “Will that happen?” is another question in itself. I am not saying that Ampadu is the finished product, however, I believe that he has all the raw materials to become a fantastic DM, and is one brilliant season away from being a hot commodity for any top team in Europe.

Conclusion

As we bring this article to an end, please leave in the comments down below, who do you think would be the perfect candidate at DM under Thomas Tuchel; a player who has both the ball retention/progression ability, as well as defensive capability. Thank you.