Chelsea

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Recently we asked you what one thing - good or bad - nobody is talking about at Chelsea and some of you suggested the impact of Reece James' return.

It has been four weeks since his long-awaited comeback and, after featuring in all four Premier League games, it looks like the worst of his injury issues may be behind him (whisper it quietly).

But, the question is now - how does he best fit in the team?

The 24-year-old has played nearly 250 minutes so far, including two full games, but although he returned to his original right-back role in the first match, he took up the left-back position in the following two and then was only used as a late substitute in the final game before the international break.

When James was fully fit and playing consistently, there was always a worry among supporters of who could step in and perform at the same level if he was out of the team.

The emergence of Malo Gusto quelled many of those fears as he so easily managed to step up and make the role his own - despite being just 21 himself - featuring 37 times last season.

But with James' natural quality and Gusto's form, it has given boss Enzo Maresca a headache. The answer may lie in what the Italian wants from that position.

Due to the disparity in minutes played, comparing the two defenders statistics per 90 minutes in the league this season reveals their respective strengths.

Read on for the case for each, and make your selection in our poll here...

If Enzo Maresca is looking for someone to contribute to help build attacks, Reece James has the advantage.

At 88%, the 24-year-old just edges Malo Gusto in passing accuracy, but when it comes to number of passes, he averages nearly double the amount attempted per 90 minutes at 71.4 to Gusto's 47.8 and comes out on top in touches too (91 to 69).

His progressive nature is also evident in the amount of forward passes per 90 (27 to 12), passes completed in the opposition half (30 to 25) and through balls (1.2 to 0.2).

On top of that, he has a take-on success rate of 50% compared to Gusto's 33% and averages nearly double the number of crosses at 5.7 to 2.6.

With just two Premier League clean sheets this term for Chelsea however, Maresca may want more defensive focus from the right-back position and this is where Malo Gusto comes to the fore.

The France international edges clearances (1.8 to 1.5) and interceptions (1.3 to 1.2) per 90 minutes, but averages more than double the number of tackles at 2.4 to James' 0.8.

He also contests more ground duels (7.5 to 4.2) and loses possession fewer times (11 to 15).

With the qualities both James and Gusto offer, as long as the former stays fit, it is difficult to see how either can be left out and it is going to require flexible thinking from Maresca to keep these two young talents in the Chelsea side.

Who do you think is the best right-back option, Blues fans?

How would you fit them in the side?

Let us know, external

Will Faulks
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

The international break is a frustrating time for fans of club football, but for managers - especially those newly appointed, and those known for their thorough and detailed approaches to coaching - it provides a great opportunity to work in depth on issues they do not usually have time for.

Given Enzo Maresca fits into both of those categories, this fortnight of respite from individual match preparation should yield particularly positive results for Chelsea.

The new manager has been rightly praised for cutting through the potential confusion of a giant squad by picking and sticking with a consistent selection. But that rhythm has started to break down in recent weeks, especially in defence. While the centre-backs remain fixed, the full-backs have been fluid.

The return of Reece James from injury after the last international break was a boost to the squad - but it has opened up so many new options that Maresca is now tinkering more than he had been.

We have seen James used on the left and the right; Malo Gusto on both sides and playing inverted; and Marc Cucurella dropped unexpectedly for a month, then slotted back in to face Arsenal.

Maresca loves Gusto's versatility, but the Frenchman seems to be suffering from the endless shuffling, and his form has not been good this season. James is by far the most effective attacker of the three, but is still getting up to speed physically. Cucurella remains a mystery - capable of excellent individual performances and dreadful, frantic outings, without much in between.

If there is one thing Chelsea fans will hope Maresca has established in this break it is a clear plan of how to use his options at full-back - for creating more threatening attacking possession to support the frontline and for stabilising a defence that still concedes too many soft goals.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea duo Cole Palmer (12) and Noni Madueke (five) have created more chances for each other than any other pair of team-mates in the Premier League so far this season.

Palmer has also been directly involved in 10 goals in five league appearances against promoted sides for the Blues (six goals, four assists). He has averaged a goal or assist every 43 minutes in such matches.

Chelsea face competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United for 17-year-old Sporting and Portugal winger Geovany Quenda. (Give Me Sport), external

Meanwhile, the Blues will not make a move for 25-year-old Liverpool and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher because Enzo Maresca is happy with his current options. (Give Me Sport), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Chelsea are plotting a summer bid for 25-year-old Liverpool and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. (Sun), external

Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham are set to battle for 22-year-old Bournemouth and Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club.

But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.

So what do you want to ask for a former player. Best opponent? Most memorable team-mate he played with?

Or maybe you're just interested in what next for your club this season?

Send in your questions, external

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for one thing - good or bad - involving Chelsea that nobody is talking about but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Timothy: We should recall Djordje Petrovic as soon as possible because Robert Sanchez is dropping us vital points.

John: We need to sign a top goalkeeper. The Liverpool guy, Caoimhin Kelleher, would join us in the blink of an eye!

Yaw: The manager is underutilising his offensive power. To have one set of players for the Premier League and another for the Conference League is tactically inept - the opponents must determine the team selection.

Stanley: What I never see being talked about is the disgraceful treatment of Ben Chilwell. In my book, he is one of the very finest left wing-backs in the country.

Ben: I feel like Romeo Lavia needs his flowers. Press resistant, good decision-making, physicality and technical quality - he has it all. To have come into this side after a whole season on the sidelines and taking Enzo Fernandez's spot at such a young age shows his mentality too. The only way is up for this kid.

Steve: Nobody at Chelsea is really addressing the stadium redevelopment issue or, if they are, it is being kept quiet. It was high on the agenda when the new owners bought the club in 2022, but very little has been said about it since.

Mike: The position regarding a new stadium remains unresolved. It has been going on now for years and it seems the current owners have had a major disagreement on staying at Stamford Bridge or moving elsewhere. Other clubs are moving forward in this area while we sit on our hands. Even some form of update from the club would be welcomed.

Image source, Getty Images

There has been some pressure on players carrying an injury going into international breaks with their national side because you are contracted to these clubs and that is where your income is.

But, for me, as a player I had a similar mindset to Harry Kane that I would always be available - injured or not injured. I would have injections when I was on international duty just so I could represent my country because it meant that much.

It is difficult, however. If you look at Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola's comments, he has a point because the forward has not been able to play for Manchester City because of injuries. So if you have been sidelined for three or four games, I would agree that you are then not fit and available to go on international duty.

But when you look at some of the other players, ones who have been playing and being managed by their club, then I do not see it being different to being played and managed by your country.

From the club's side, when they are competing at such high levels in the Premier League, you can understand why they would want their players to be rested and get fully fit again over the two weeks, rather than having to come back straight into a hectic period of fixtures.

I kind of get it from both points of view but, as a player, if I am half fit and being played by my club, I would be fully available for my national team.

It is really difficult with the pressure that is on the players, though. I would not look at it as a decision players have made solely.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Juventus are weighing up a January move for Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile, 23. (La Gazzetta dello Sport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Saturday's full gossip column

Chelsea fans - things seem to be clicking under Enzo Maresca, with the Blues third in the Premier League and top of the Conference League table.

But some supporters are wishing for more points on the board after the side drew their past two Premier League games, against Manchester United and Arsenal, just before the international break.

Putting their recent form aside, what is one thing - good or bad - that nobody is talking about at Stamford Bridge?

Let us know here, external

Chelsea and Liverpool are among the clubs to have sent scouts to watch versatile 17-year-old midfielder Andrija Maksimovic, although they have been told the Serbia international will not leave Red Star Belgrade on the cheap. (Teamtalk), external

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have approached Chelsea about signing winger Mykhailo Mudryk on loan in January. (Football Transfers), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

With only four points separating third and 13th, we do not normally see that many teams in this type of mini league.

Normally, you might have the teams in a pack around the top four or five and then another pack underneath that with your relegation pack as well, so the fact there is so many teams in it at this stage is making it different.

From the mental side of competing in that, you look at Manchester United who have struggled so much this season and are sitting 13th. If they get a win, it can shoot them right up the table. They are in a position to think they are only a few points off the Champions League places' and that is good.

But it can work both ways.

Knowing the points are so close can keep you strong, keep you competing and have that competitiveness because you know a result can jump you up. But on the flipside, you could easily go from seventh down to 13th in one weekend or from third down to 10th.

How you deal with it depends on the manager, the players and also the psychologists within the group. Psychology in sport is really important for whether you see the situation as a positive or a negative.

Whether it stays like this all season is hard to say as there have been some really inconsistent performances and results. The most consistent team is the one sitting at the top.

I do not know what the rest of the campaign has in store for these sides because all the teams seem to be able to take points off each other this season.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Cole Palmer and his Chelsea colleagues are growing up very quickly, even if they are not yet totally mature. The naivety for the ‘goal’ scored by Kai Havertz on Sunday but was then ruled offside, showed there are a few things to be learned.

Against Arsenal, the outfield had an average age of 22.5 years of age but they still stood toe to toe with last year’s runners-up. This is good news down at the Bridge.

‌Developing maturity while not losing the spark of creativity and excitement that youth brings is a subtle job, but Enzo Maresca seems to be all over it.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Chelsea have put Bournemouth's 22-year-old Ukraine centre-back Illia Zabarnyi on their list of potential defensive targets. (Football Transfers), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Chelsea are among a number of clubs, including Newcastle United and Crystal Palace, who are keen on Benfica's 22-year-old Portuguese centre-back Tomas Araujo. (O Jogo - in Portuguese), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Will Faulks
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson have all had their time in the sun this season. On Sunday, it was Pedro Neto's turn to take the spotlight.

The culmination of his performance against Arsenal was his goal - a wicked, left-footed strike that fizzed between defenders and beyond David Raya's reach to level the scores.

However, long before that he had made significant impacts on the game. From his bamboozling of Ben White before delivering a superb far-post cross, to his admirable work-rate tracking up and down his side of the pitch to prevent Arsenal's midfielders from finding angles out wide.

The fact that his best cross came from the left-hand side and his best shot from the right, following a change in set-up by manager Enzo Maresca, highlights Neto's other great quality: versatility.

That attribute means he will always have a place in the team, no matter which other winger is currently in form and played opposite him

This star showing from the Portugal international saw him play all 90 minutes of a league game for the third match running. That shows the faith Maresca has in him, as well as giving the proof that he is really physically up to speed now.

The biggest red flag raised by his big-money move from Wolves in the summer was his injury record and, if he has put those issues behind him, he looks set to be an undisputed starter for this team going forward.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

England are poised to hold more talks during the international break over trying to add Chelsea goalkeeping coach Henrique Hilario to incoming head coach Thomas Tuchel's backroom staff. (Telegraph - subscription required)

Scouts from home and abroad are following developments with Kiano Dyer at Chelsea as the 17-year-old midfielder approaches the final year of his contract. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories and gossip? Read Tuesday's full column

As the Premier League pauses for the November international break, the Opta supercomputer, external has been looking at each club's chances of winning the title this season.

Liverpool are flying under new boss Arne Slot, currently sitting five points clear at the summit. They have been given a 60.3% chance.

Defending champions Manchester City are second after consecutive league defeats and have been given a 34.3% chance of winning a fifth straight title in May.

Arsenal are third favourites after a tricky spell themselves and Opta say they have a 5% of winning the league from here.

Chelsea are the only other side given a chance at glory. A first title in eight years has a 0.3% chance according to Opta.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Reuters

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Saeed asked: Chelsea are third, having played six of the current top eight. They have received so much criticism for the size of their squad. Seeing the injuries to key players at Manchester City and Arsenal, what do you make of Chelsea's deep and strong squad and how far do you think they can go this season?

Phil answered: Chelsea have a high-quality, strong squad and, given the way the Premier League is shaping this season, could easily have a crack at making the top four.

However, they do need to start beating the teams they will regard as rivals, having lost at Liverpool and drawn with Manchester United and Arsenal in the past couple of weeks. They also lost at home to City on the opening weekend.

Areas of concern? They need an upgrade in goal. I am not convinced by Robert Sanchez at all. And, despite Nicolas Jackson's improvement, I also believe Enzo Maresca needs a reliable finisher.

I do see improvements, though, and they should be setting their sights on the top four and a place in next season's Champions League.

Read more of Phil's Q&A and the rest of Monday's football news