"Trevoh Chalobah: The Clear Choice for Thomas Tuchel Following Livramento's Injury Setback"

THOMAS TUCHEL did not have to think long when it was decided a replacement was needed for Tino Livramento.

The manager has always been an admirer of ‘s and the call was made to get him to Kansas.

Thomas Tuchel did not have to wait long to figure out his Tino Livramento replacement Credit: Reuters Tuchel gave Chalobah his debut at Chelsea Credit: Getty

From outside there were other options. An out-and-out full-back would have appeared a more natural replacement for Livramento.

But , having not earned a Three Lions cap since June last year, was never going to get a late call from Tuchel.

The German has prioritised harmony within the camp above almost all else in the build-up to this World Cup and, having worked with Chalobah with Chelsea and England, knows exactly what he is going to get from the defender.

Versatility is a big factor. Chalobah can operate in a back three, four or as a full-back if needed, which it could well be given the man he is replacing.

An aggressive approach to defending stands out to Tuchel too, who listed him as one of four players ahead of Maguire in the England pecking order back in March – despite the Chelsea man missing out on the squad through injury.

Chalobah’s “mobility” was cited as a reason he was above the defender.

But his character matters just as much and Tuchel knows he adds value to the camp dynamic.

Chalobah, who has been following a strict fitness regime since the end of the season, knows he will be joining up as a fringe player – but he will be ready for any opportunity at the World Cup.

At Chelsea, he was handed a surprise Blues debut by Tuchel himself in the 2021 Uefa Super Cup final against and grasped his opportunity.

Three days later a Premier League debut against followed which he marked with a goal.

The academy graduate’s attitude immediately impressed Tuchel, his fearlessness to step up and grab a chance offered, unaffected by pressure or praise following an impressive start.

Chalobah is deeply religious and his faith has carried him through difficult moments at Chelsea, still managing to give his all to a club which at times has appeared to disregard him.

Trent Alexander-Arnold would have been a like-for-like replacement Credit: Getty Chalobah was one of four defenders picked above Harry Maguire in the March camp Credit: Getty

A year before winning the final at the heart of the defence, he had been left out of the club’s pre-season tour to America and told to train with the kids before finding another club.

Crystal Palace eventually picked him up on loan before the Blues had to come back with their tail between their legs in January and recall him due to shortages at the back.

Chalobah was not happy to be leaving Palace and unimpressed at Chelsea’s decision given his treatment in the summer, but came back and excelled nonetheless.

That is the sort of person Tuchel wants within his England ranks.