You need defenders with pace to allow this, something Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz have enough of.
People questioned whether Luiz can play in a four and he clearly lost the trust of Antonio Conte.
But he’s very good on the ball, which is needed from all the defenders to play ‘Sarri-ball’.
They will be tasked with getting on the ball and moving it forward in as few touches as possible.
This new system is going to be lots of short, forward passes — a way Luiz is at home playing.
KANTE’S NEW ROLE
N’Golo Kante played much higher than usual — and took his goal really well.
Our heat map shows the difference from last season.
But the French star is not there to contribute 10 goals.
More than anything, being more advanced helps Chelsea with the high press.
Kante’s energy levels are so good that having him on one side and Ross Barkley on the other affords Jorginho time and space to play the quarterback role. And the system is flexible.
If they are playing one of the bigger sides away from home or find themselves under the cosh, Kante can turn into one of two sitters immediately.
THE THIRD MIDFIELDER
It’s essential that the third man in midfield is able to burst beyond the others and get right up the pitch.
Teams will sit deep against Chelsea and not allow any space in behind for fear of the likes of Eden Hazard.
Midfield runners are then crucial, and if Barkley continues to play, it is vital he gets beyond the opposition’s midfield.
This will cause the defence all sorts of problems as someone will have to step out, creating a hole for Hazard or Pedro to move into and exploit.
FULL-BACKS
They will have to adjust most to the change in system — but only when the ball is on the opposite flank. When Chelsea are defending down their right, Marcos Alonso has to make sure he gets inside the far post.
Last season there would have been a third centre-back to pick up there but now it falls to him, or Cesar Azpilicueta on the other side. Alonso has struggled at times in a four.
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