Chelsea are set to step up their pre-season preparation by taking on Charlotte early tomorrow. Coach Thomas Tuchel yesterday confirmed during his press conference new signing Raheem Sterling would make his debut when the team takes on Charlotte early Thursday morning, UK time. With the former City winger set to take to the pitch for the first time for his new club, we take a look at other attacking players that could best compliment the 27 year-old England international.
First, we start off with Hakim Ziyech :
The Moroccan international has been widely linked with a move to AC Milan but speculations seems to have died down a bit over recent days.
With Sterling’s favored position on the left of a front three, Ziyech’s favored position of the wide far right looks to afford Sterling the freedom of the left wing..
With Sterling’s constant runs from the left wing certain to cause problems for opposition’s defences, it remains to be seen how often the former city man could be found. In the present Chelsea squad, very few players boast of Ziyech’s vision and with the Moroccan always seeking to find his teammates on the other side of the pitch with long diagonals, one can only wonder as to what damage his passes and Sterling’s run can bring to opponents come next season.
Next, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
A player who looks up to Raheem Sterling as a mentor now has the chance to play alongside him. Callum has often stated he prefers to play off the left of the attack and with Sterling here to take up that position, CHO might have no other chance but to play off other positions if he wants to share the same pitch with his favorite mentor.
CHO’s drive and direct running is synonymous to what Sterling offers and the youngster would relish playing with Raheem Sterling even off the right.
Next up is “Man of the moment” Mason Mount.
The Englishman is very well familiar to what Raheem offers and with a relationship already developed at national team level, Mason could boast of having an understanding with the 27 year-old. Mason’s tenacity and vision is not questioned and with Mount already accustomed to playing off the right, the England international seems the best fit to play alongside Sterling up front.
Next, Christian Pulisic!
American international Christian Pulisic has often enjoyed playing on the left of the attack as well but his versatility has seen him turn up through the middle as a playmaker (number 10) and sometimes on the right. Christian’s quick feet and dribbling skills often create spaces for his other teammates but his vision has often let him down in crucial moments.
Verdict : Of all the wingers Thomas presently has at his disposal, Mason Mount and Ziyech seem to best compliment the England international.
My Preferred wing duo would be Sterling and Hakim Ziyech.
