How Chelsea could line up under Luis Enrique

James Shearman

• Updated: 2 Mar 2023 17:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Graham Potter still has the backing of Chelsea's owners but the Englishman is certainly testing their patience.

The Blues have scored just six goals since November 6, while in-form Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has 18 alone in that time.

Potter's side have fallen to 10th in the Premier League table and are now four points closer to the relegation places than the top four.

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The majority of Chelsea fans are already calling for the former Brighton man to get the sack.

And it is thought that their wish could be granted should the west London club fail to beat Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday and overcome Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Barcelona legend Luis Enrique is among the top contenders to replace Potter at Stamford Bridge.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona player made his name in management at Camp Nou between 2014 and 2017.

Enrique coached a star-studded lineup with the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar to two La Liga titles, three consecutive Copa del Rey trophies and a Champions League.

He has been out of employment since leaving the Spanish national team after the recent World Cup in Qatar.

How Chelsea could line up under Luis Enrique

It is likely that Chelsea look for a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window but of the current crop, Kepa Arrizabalaga's ball-playing ability would suit Enrique's style more than Edouard Mendy.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell are any manager's dream for a full-back pairing, more than capable of defending and going forward.

Thiago Silva is exceptional but Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are the future of Chelsea's central defence.

Enzo Fernandez has world-class potential but not in the defensive midfield position. He and Mateo Kovacic would operate in similar roles to Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic from Enrique's successful Barcelona team.

Not a true 'number six', N'Golo Kante could be asked to play a more disciplined role for Chelsea as he approaches the latter stages of his career.

Mykhailo Mudryk is not on Neymar's level in terms of footballing ability but his flair from the left wing position could be comparable.

Christopher Nkunku is set to join Chelsea in the summer from RB Leipzig. He looks like the Blues' best striker option until the Blues sign a 'number nine'.

Enrique would do well to get the goal output from Raheem Sterling that he was was able to produce at Manchester City.