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View: Wesley Fofana should be Chelsea back four mainstay after Crystal Palace display
Wesley Fofana’s arrival at Chelsea was overdue after a long-winded transfer saga over the summer and his recent performances display he is the perfect option to play in a back four.
Much has been made of Graham Potter’s tactics and what formation he might deploy whilst he is in charge at Stamford Bridge. However, the Frenchman’s performance at Selhurst Park could see Potter utilise a back four instead of a three.
After a shaky start to the game, Fofana grew into his role alongside Thiago Silva at the heart of Chelsea’s defence and rarely made a mistake. He also racked up some impressive defensive numbers against a physical Crystal Palace side.
As per Wyscout, Fofana won five out of his six defensive duels which was 20 per cent higher than his career average. Furthermore, he managed to stand up to the physical presence of Odsonne Édouard, winning 75 per cent of his aerial duels.
The 21-year-old usually operates in a three-at-the-back system which allows him to step out of defence and be progressive in his play. However, Fofana continued to be forward-thinking despite playing in a two alongside Silva.
He made four progressive runs, which is three more than his average per 90 and was successful in all his dribbles. Furthermore, Fofana managed to complete all of his passes to the final third with 100 per cent accuracy.
The fact that Fofana can play with the same forward-thinking mentality whilst playing in a back four will be a huge boost for Potter. It will allow for his side to play with an extra attacking player and potentially be more threatening going forward.
In other Chelsea news, Conor Gallagher was clapped off by Crystal Palace fans at full-time against Chelsea