Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side have an embarrassment of riches in the attacking areas, so much so that they’ve been forced to loan out the odd name to create a feeling of balance within the roster. The Blues have already introduced the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva to the fans this season. But two key players that are yet to play any part are Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech. The American’s knock came in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal, while the Moroccan got sidelined during their lone pre-season friendly against Brighton and Hove Albion.
With the duo expected to return at the end of the current international break, Frank Lampard will have an even bigger selection worry than usual in about a week’s time. The likes of Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi have got runs in the team already, but that could all change very quickly in the coming weeks. Some of the signings that Chelsea have made have already improved their squad, while the general mood surrounding the club, be it in training or during match-days, have been on the up as well.
Who Are Chelsea’s Attacking Options This Season?
The Blues have a plethora of options to choose from in the attacking areas, as Lampard has made full use of the versatility of a number of players in the past. In the centre-forward role, Timo Werner is joined by Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham, although the German speedster has been deployed on the left at times as well. In the wide areas, the injured duo of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are options, while Callum Hudson-Odoi offers another natural alternative. Lampard has also been known to use players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek(now on loan at Fulham), Mason Mount and Kai Havertz in that slot as well.
Picking The Front Three That Lampard Must Deploy At Chelsea:
Picking The Front Three That Lampard Must Deploy At Chelsea
RW – Hakim Ziyech
Kai Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi have both been utilised in this position in the past, but Ziyech would walk into the eleven upon his return to full fitness. Although Hudson-Odoi may end up having to do with a place on the bench, Havertz will likely be shifted into a more central role. Ziyech has been brought in exclusively for the purpose of playing on the right flank, and his sheer flair and finesse is something that Chelsea fans will be eagerly be waiting to see. His passing range and vision are right up there with the best in the world, and it opens up a large number of attacking possibilities for the Blues going forward.
ST – Timo Werner
While a large chunk of the Chelsea fanbase will argue that Werner should be deployed on the flank, it can be said, without a shadow of a doubt, that Lampard brought the German in as the main striker. His electrifying pace, when combined with the sensational passing ability of Ziyech down the right, could prove to be one of the deadliest combos in the Premier League this season. Although he is yet to open his top-flight account, you can bet your bottom dollar that Werner will score plenty of goals for Chelsea in the long run.
LW – Christian Pulisic
Considering the form that Pulisic was in prior to his injury last season, the American strolls his way into the eleven upon returning. The only possible competition he could receive is from the aforementioned Hudson-Odoi, but it’s unlikely to deter the former Dortmund man’s progress. Not only has he produced the goods in some key matches for Chelsea, but his dribbling ability and explosive pace are reminiscent of former Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard. The Belgian’s place in the side was something most expected Chelsea to struggle to fill, but with Pulisic’s arrival, those concerns have all gone out the window.
