How Chelsea could line up with Paul Pogba as Thomas Tuchel tipped to sign Man Utd ace | Football | Sport
While Chelsea remain on the lookout for new signings before Monday night’s deadline, attention is also turning to free agents they could sign for next season. Any Premier League stars out of contract will have to wait until the summer before agreeing a deal with the Blues, including Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman is unlikely to extend his stay with the Red Devils following a six-year spell at Old Trafford.
Many believe his best performances have come on the international stage, where he has mainly featured alongside Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, leading to Darren Bent encouraging Chelsea to sign Pogba.
“When Paul Pogba plays alongside Kante, he looks like a completely different player,” Bent said on talkSPORT.
“If they were to go and sign him, Chelsea, wow that midfield three. But he doesn’t really score enough goals. Yeah he would [be better alongside Kante].”
Here, Daily Express Sport looks at what Chelsea’s line-up could look like if they did sign Pogba…
JUST IN: Chelsea tipped to sign perfect midfield partner for N’Golo Kante
Midfield – Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Ben Chilwell
The loss of wing-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell to long-term injuries has been the defining point in Chelsea’s season.
But the duo should be fit in time for the start of next season when they will both recoup their places in Thomas Tuchel’s starting line-up.
Kante has continued to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the world since arriving at Stamford Bridge and is one of Tuchel’s most important players.
If Chelsea follow Bent’s advice, Pogba will line-up alongside Kante in central midfield, with the duo hoping to replicate their partnership for France.
Attack – Mason Mount, Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech
While there will be changes in other areas of Chelsea’s line-up, their attacking area should largely stay the same.
Mason Mount has continued to be a key player under Tuchel this season and will take one of the spots behind the main striker.
There are several options at Tuchel’s disposal for the second role alongside Mount, but Hakim Ziyech is the player who currently occupies that position and is in impressive form.
Despite his infamous interview earlier this season, Romelu Lukaku should maintain his place as the Blues’ leading striker next year.
