Chelsea news: Mauricio Pochettino has the base to build his perfect Blues side from what is already available at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino's entertaining Tottenham and Southampton sides became things of Premier League beauty. They epitomized his playing style, which was developed and refined in Argentina, and the demands he makes with total buy-in from his players were clear.
Like many before him, there was a struggle to assert much identity—at least his own identity—at Paris Saint-Germain. For a hard-working side to effectively carry Lionel Messi was always going to be a tough ask. Now it appears that he has the same challenge at Chelsea.
Tottenham in 2014 was a similar case. Pochettino's skills will be required to make things go as smoothly as possible here, and there are certain players that already look perfect for helping him out. Here are five that could be vital to his early days in charge:
Mason Mount
It's simple to say, but Pochettino was a key factor in getting truly world-class performances and output from Dele Alli. As an attacking midfielder with an eye for space behind the forwards and also in front of goal, Mount matches up to him quite nicely on a basic level.
In terms of his total dedication to hard work, Mount is one of the best off-the-ball players at Chelsea. He is the type of player that Pochettino would love to have, and perhaps the expected appointment could help shift the contract negotiations going on.
Wesley Fofana
Another player built around energy but also sublime technical skill Fofana is aggressive in his defense, pushing out to press opposition players backwards, but he is also a tremendous ball carrier and distributor.
As a player able to operate in a five-man backline or an orthodox four-man set-up, Fofana looks like the perfect fit to provide tempo in the first line for Pochettino.
Levi Colwill
It is not a player that has been on the books at Chelsea this season, but it is being reported that part of the Argentine's pitch to become the new head coach is providing a pathway for Colwill. The center-back has excelled on loan at Brighton when called upon and is seen as one of the best young talents in his position across the world.
As a tall, left-footed defender, he is another who will allow Pochettino to play attacking, pressing football but with solidity at the back.
Mykhailo Mudryk
The Ukrainian winger is another who is said to have caught the eye of Pochettino during talks with the Blues. Although he is yet to explode in England, there have been glimpses of his quality, electric speed, and dribbling to get fans excited.
Pochettino also has experience when it comes to developing rogue wingers, taking Son Heung-Min from a first-season flop to becoming one of the best attackers in the world. If the same can be done with Mudryk, then Chelsea is in business.
Reece James
No surprises here; James is one of the best in his position and provides the energy and threat from full-back that very few can. Pochettino's Tottenham relied upon Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier at times to be an attacking outlet from defense, and James is very much someone who fits that bill.
The hope will be that he can return from pre-season fully fit and ready to go after struggling with his knee ever since injuring it earlier this year. If he is back to his physical best, then Pochettino has the perfect player to build around.