Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has explained why defenders Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella are not competing for the same spot at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella arrived this summer, signing from Brighton and Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £63 million.
With such a high figure being spent to bring the Spaniard to the club, it was unclear as to the role he would hold, with Chilwell returning from injury.
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The England international started the first match of the season against Everton but was replaced by Cucurella in the second half, just 24 hours after his arrival from the Seagulls.
Chilwell did not feature against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, with Cucurella at the centre of controversy after being pulled to the ground by his hair and VAR deciding against giving Cristian Romero a red card.
Mike Dean has since admitted that this was the wrong decision, with Spurs scoring from the resulting corner.
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Chilwell then featured in the PL2 match against Fulham, where he was building up fitness following a lay-off with injury last season.
Chelsea boss Tuchel has now offered an insight into the Blues’ defenders and admitted that they are not competing for the same spot in his team.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Leeds United, which both of the defenders will hope to be playing in, Tuchel admitted that their competition depends on the formation.
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He revealed: “I would say if we play a back four they are competing for the same place.
"If we play a back five, not 100%.
“Ben is a clear wing-back and Marc is both. He can play in the back three and as a wing-back.”
It remains to be seen as to whether Tuchel plans to use the pair together, with Cucurella on the left of a back three and Chilwell ahead of him.
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When asked about Chilwell, the Spaniard admitted that it is good to have competition within the squad.
He said: "They help me a lot in these first days. The competition is good. We work hard to play in one position.
“If one is better, the gaffer puts him in the line-up. This is good for the team."
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With games set to come thick and fast for the Blues this season, no doubt both players will get more than enough game time as Tuchel hopes to compete on all fronts.
Topics: Chelsea, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Thomas Tuchel, Football
Nick Emms