There have been some big changes at Chelsea this summer.
But fans are still wondering if Thomas Tuchel will shake up his tactics next season.
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The German immediately started a 3-4-3 formation on his arrival at Chelsea in 2021.
And despite having immediate success with the style, Tuchel’s men started to lose their effectiveness with their use last season.
It saw the Champions League winner experiment with different formations during the second half of the campaign.
And it could result in a permanent shift to one of his past tactics at Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.
Significantly, Tuchel played with a back-four on both sides – albeit in different forms.
At PSG, he opted for an attacking 4-2-4 system thanks to the prowess of stars like Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
Should Tuchel hit his top goals, the wide forward areas would be perfect for Raheem Sterling and Raphinha.
Kai Havertz could then operate in a free attacking role, while Armanda Broja does all the running up.
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A lively midfield duo of workhorses N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount would keep the ball ticking while providing ample backline support.
And in defence, Reece James and Ben Chilwell would have the chance to push high and wide as attacking fullbacks.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt are Tuchel’s top picks in the middle.
Fast, strong and technical, the Dutch duo would be able to protect goalkeeper Edouard Mendy while also building the game from behind.
But should Tuchel feel that the Premier League is not suited to such a free-flowing formation, he can always opt for the 4-3-3 system he used at Dortmund.
With more or less the same side, in one substitution, an attacker would be replaced by an extra midfielder.
Conor Gallagher would be the ideal man to play alongside Mount, pushing Kante up from a deeper position.
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Havertz could then operate as False Nine, creating opportunities for inside-forwards Sterling and Raphinha.
With Kante number 6 ahead of De Ligt and Ake, the fullbacks could also occupy higher positions on the sidelines.
And that’s Chelsea’s squad depth, Tuchel would have plenty of options in reserve.
A formation change could finally bring out the best in forwards Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, even as all three face an uncertain future.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jorginho also need rejuvenation, as do Kepa Arrizabalaga and Emerson Palmieri – who are likely to replace Marcos Alonso.
Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Mateo Kovacic will all certainly play important roles next season.
And Tuchel favorite Cesar Azpilicueta was allowed to stay despite Barcelona’s interest, while Billy Gilmour may be given a second chance after a contract extension.
Tuchel can dive even further up the squad if he wants to, with Malang Sarr, Kenedy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley still on the books.