Raheem Sterling at a press conference on Wednesday at the Chobham revealed that he prefers to play on the wings when asked what his preferred position is.
The Chelsea new number 17 said: “My position is mainly as a winger, but sometimes I enjoy floating about and getting on the ball.
“I always judge myself on how effective I am on the game. It depends on where I am going to be most effective. In the last game against Everton, I played in the false nine positions, and I’ll be most happy where I can be effective and help my team.”
However, Thomas Tuchel hinted that Raheem Sterling could be deployed between the defender or the right or lift wing. Raheem Sterling on his Chelsea debut against Everton was deployed as a false nine leading the lines with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz as the double ten.
What is Thomas Tuchel’s preferred position for Raheem Sterling?
The Chelsea manager said when he was asked what Raheem Sterling preferred position was: “He should play in the last line, or between the defensive lines, to drive towards the last line or run through it.
“He was very good in training in this free role as a number nine and dropping into half-spaces. He has so much quality, there are many places to use him. He can play across from the wing, he was very dangerous in the number nine position with an offside goal and a big chance [at Everton], more of a free role.
“Things are not finished, he came late to pre-season, but one thing is clear: the impact he has physically and mentally, and in terms of quality, is huge, no matter where he plays.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea Youngster Trevoh Chalobah has open about his time at Chelsea u-9 and the influence of his Brother Nathaniel.
Trevoh Chalobah was impressive last season scoring on the opening day of the Premier League as Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace 3-0. The youngster was unused in Chelsea’s victory over Everton.
The Chelsea academy graduate revealed: “Nathaniel always had that character, that captain character,’ Trevoh told us. ‘Even at the junior international level, it was the same. He’s always been that figure, loud and confident.
“When I was younger, I would say I was the opposite and that’s something I’ve had to work on – being louder and being that confident figure. I didn’t really believe in myself until my Under-16s when I started growing and getting that more physical side of the game.
“I remember when I first came to Chelsea, at Under-9s, when I was joining Mason Mount, Declan Rice, Eddie Nketiah – all of those guys were there. And it was tough because I was coming from Sunday league football to then transition into playing against academy lads. It was difficult for the first few years.”
Chelsea academy over the years had been one of the best in the country with the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, and Conor Gallagher all coming through the Chelsea academy.
