{"id":661176,"date":"2025-11-03T09:49:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T14:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=661176"},"modified":"2025-11-03T09:49:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T14:49:12","slug":"what-is-chelseas-best-xi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/11\/03\/what-is-chelseas-best-xi\/","title":{"rendered":"What Actually Is Chelsea&#8217;s Best XI"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With so much rotation and changing from Enzo Maresca we have seen some inconsistency creep into the squad. Different roles for players and different combos have seen some questions emerge over what Chelsea&#8217;s best XI actually is, particularly when factoring in some of the injuries that have caused problems. In this, we will be determining what the best formation and setup is when everyone is healthy and available.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/06\/11\/best-chelsea-players-number-5-jersey\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Best Chelsea Players to Wear the Number 5 Jersey Ever<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Determining Chelsea&#8217;s Best XI in 2025\/26<\/h2>\n<h3>Goalkeeper<\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"StmxUOXXQVB1NqKnEQpiOw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2182034064\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'StmxUOXXQVB1NqKnEQpiOw',sig:'cw4DOQSARXMZdDwnw42Yoqs0p1n8V3FatU2HxvCp-zg=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2182034064',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Of the available shot-stoppers, Robert Sanchez has become the clear first-choice option. Since the turn of the year he has cut out a large number of the mistakes that plague him. His short distribution has improved and we&#8217;ve seen the team make more use of his exceptional long-range passing, particularly in the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.<\/p>\n<p>His backup Filip Jorgensen has looked increasingly poor in his cup outings, most recently letting in three goals against a Wolves B-team. Gaga Slonina can&#8217;t even escape the development squad and would possibly outdo Jorgensen but not Sanchez.<\/p>\n<h3>Defence<\/h3>\n<h4>Right-Back<\/h4>\n<p>While he has been used in different roles and often excels no matter where he is used, Reece James is a world-class right-back. His crossing and ball striking are excellent, as is his one-on-one defending. If given license to push up and get balls into the box he could notch up far more assists.<\/p>\n<h4>Right Centre-Back<\/h4>\n<p>There&#8217;s been some competition emerging over the past few months with Josh Acheampong or Trevoh Chalobah looking quite good in this role. Despite that, Wesley Fofana still stands out as the best RCB in the squad. The way he defends is important to recycling the ball but he&#8217;s capable in build-up when asked to carry the ball forward or pass out from the back.<\/p>\n<p>As an athlete, he is already in a league of his own but he&#8217;s got the rest of the skills needed from any modern-day centre-back.<\/p>\n<h4>Left Centre-Back<\/h4>\n<p>It comes as no surprise that the Blues&#8217; defensive strength went through the floor after Levi Colwill suffered an ACL tear. Colwill is an adaptable player who can be the cover-guy when Fofana steps up or as the aggressor with Tosin Adarabioyo or Chalobah to cover.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/11\/01\/tottenham-vs-chelsea-confirmed-lineups-november\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Tottenham vs Chelsea Confirmed Lineups for November 1<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Beyond being a very useful defender, his passing ability is second-to-none, as he uses his left foot to ping line-breaking passes regularly that advance the attack up the field. This was also notably lacking early in the campaign as the team struggled initially to build up attacks when facing Crystal Palace and Fulham.<\/p>\n<h4>Left Back<\/h4>\n<p>Marc Cucurella can be the only option here. One of the world&#8217;s best at his position he is a handful when going forward, able to support the winger, make underlapping runs, or drift into the box to get on the end of crosses. Defensively, he is rarely beaten and has put the clamps on some of the world&#8217;s finest wingers.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3>Defensive Midfield<\/h3>\n<h4>DM<\/h4>\n<p>Moises Caicedo is not just the best midfielder in the league, he is arguably one of the best players in Europe right now. A defensive anchor who can shield a back line all by himelf, he has an underrated passing range, rarely ever misplacing a pass even when trying to drive the team forward.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/28\/chelsea-wonderkid-football-manager-26-ranked\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Every Chelsea Wonderkid in Football Manager 26 Ranked<\/a><\/p>\n<p>He&#8217;s started to add goals to his game, using his ball-striking ability to start hitting long shots and dragging opposition defences towards him. Any talk of Chelsea&#8217;s Best XI requires the modern day Makalele.<\/p>\n<h4>DM<\/h4>\n<p>A controversial choice as this will have implications further up the field but Romeo Lavia would be the preferred partner for Caicedo. He is a press-resistant passer who can progress attacks with ease, he isn&#8217;t a slouch defensively and makes for a solid shield when alongside another defensively-focused midfielder.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3>Attck<\/h3>\n<h4>Left Wing<\/h4>\n<p>Potentially the most difficult selection just due to both main options still finding their footing at the club. While Pedro Neto or Estevao could realsitically deputise here that might be stretching the rules a little bit so we&#8217;ll lean towards Jamie Gittens given his recent strong run of form. Alejandro Garnacho is not too far behind after grabbing a goal for himself and looking dangerous against Tottenham Hotspur.<\/p>\n<h4>CAM<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"DeXZCif4TLteYnVVORqEmA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2244749924\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'DeXZCif4TLteYnVVORqEmA',sig:'l-d4y26jj3e3hDoWSQVsC1R0K3Kcd6F0i_gHpiSBVJo=',w:'594px',h:'414px',items:'2244749924',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>What we&#8217;ve learned is that Enzo Fernandez excels as part of a group in the centre of the pitch. In this scenario, with a Lavia\/Caicedo pairing behind him, he would be free to press high and play a more dangerous part in attacks. While it does mean some key players get left out, it might just be the key to getting the absolute best out of the Argentine.<\/p>\n<h4>Right Wing<\/h4>\n<p>It would be absolutely criminal to leave out one Cole Palmer who could make his home once again on the right wing in this setup. With his argentine teammate occupying some of the space around the box it would realistically give Palmer more room to work his magic, either by staying wide and stretching a back line or by cutting inside.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3>Striker<\/h3>\n<p>This is another tough spot to pick just due to the lack of clear top quality. Joao Pedro has shown glimpses, as has Liam Delap. Marc Guiu and Tyrique George are wildcards but likely won&#8217;t be line leaders. That leaves a tough decision between Pedro and Delap which most likely depends on opposition with each one trusted to play different roles depending on the opposition.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/07\/31\/best-chelsea-players-number-14-jersey\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Best Chelsea Players to Wear the Number 14 Jersey Ever<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Chelsea&#8217;s Best XI and Tactics<\/h3>\n<p>The setup would start as a 4-2-3-1 but shift when in possession similar to what we have seen from Maresca. In an ideal situation James overlaps on the right to make a foursome behind the striker with Palmer and Enzo occupying the central spots.<\/p>\n<p>GK &#8211; Rob Sanchez<\/p>\n<p>LB &#8211; Marc Cucurella<\/p>\n<p>CB &#8211; Levi Colwill<\/p>\n<p>CB &#8211; Wes Fofana<\/p>\n<p>RB &#8211; Reece James<\/p>\n<p>DM &#8211; Romeo Lavia<\/p>\n<p>DM &#8211; Moises Caicedo<\/p>\n<p>LW &#8211; Jamie Gittens<\/p>\n<p>AM &#8211; Enzo Fernandez<\/p>\n<p>RW &#8211; Cole Palmer<\/p>\n<p>ST &#8211; Joao Pedro\/Liam Delap<\/p>\n<p><strong>Featured Image Credit<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_654715\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-654715\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-654715 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/imago1061975236-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Chelsea predicted lineup - image of Cole Palmer\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/imago1061975236-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/imago1061975236-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/imago1061975236-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/imago1061975236-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/imago1061975236-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/imago1061975236-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/05\/imago1061975236-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-654715\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">IMAGO \/ Every Second Media<br \/>Newcastle United FC v Chelsea FC Cole Palmer Of Chelsea during the Newcastle United FC v Chelsea FC English Premier League match at St.James Park, Newcastle, England, United Kingdom on 11 May 2025 Credit: Lee Keuneke\/Every Second Media Editorial use only. All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. All rights reserved. Premier League and Football League images are subject to licensing agreements with Football DataCo Limited. see https:\/\/www.football-dataco.com Copyright: xIMAGO\/EveryxSecondxMediax ESM-1476-0080 LeexKeunekex\/xEveryxSecondxMediax<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With so much rotation and changing from Enzo Maresca we have seen some inconsistency creep into the squad. Different roles for players and different combos have seen some questions emerge over what Chelsea&#8217;s best XI actually is, particularly when factoring in some of the injuries that have caused problems. In this, we will be determining [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2013,"featured_media":654715,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30,11,2,3],"tags":[9938,8703,3571,7799,6608],"class_list":["post-661176","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-chelsea","category-featured","category-premier-league","tag-cole-palmer","tag-levi-colwill","tag-reece-james","tag-robert-sanchez","tag-wesley-fofana"],"modified_by":"Alex Richards, LWOF Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/661176","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2013"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=661176"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/661176\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":661180,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/661176\/revisions\/661180"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/654715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=661176"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=661176"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=661176"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}