Chelsea transfer news: The Blues have another motive to offload Christian Pulisic this summer as the new addition shines, aside from goals and assists.
Chelsea benefited from playing possibly their most fluid lineup of the year against Bournemouth. Despite just a one player difference, the midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, N'Golo Kante, and Conor Gallagher provided the legs and enthusiasm that were sorely absent against Arsenal.
Noni Madueke, who was starting his second straight game for the first time since February, and Mykhailo Mudryk served as pure wingers on either side of Kai Havertz in the frontline, which was more explosive. Following his nine touches at the Emirates Stadium, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was not included.
The average age of the team was 25.9 (bumped up by 38-year-old Silva), almost three years younger than the squad that faced Arsenal. Under Maurizio Sarri and later Thomas Tuchel, the average age of the team was 26.
The American's 1.46 per-90 rating is average and unremarkable, but at this point he gives more in terms of originality and ultimate result. Even though they are only two of the contending wingers, Mudryk has 1.75 more takeaways than Pulisic.
It has taken some time for the style contrast to manifest itself in outcomes on the field, and it hasn't done so consistently, but it does indicate the club's shift in approach to attacking play. Incredibly, Madueke has more take-ons in 2023 than any other Chelsea player despite playing only 381 minutes.
It also pleased Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine manager who is still slated to take over in west London next season. With developing attackers and inexperienced players, he has a great track record. It is hoped that Mudryk and Madueke will be able to re
Elsewhere Cesar Azpilicueta's deteriorating legs were replaced by Trevoh Chalobah. The average age of 25.9 (bumped up by Silva, who is 38 years old) was almost three years lower than the group that lost to Arsenal.
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