Chelsea star who completed six recoveries vs Charlton set for key role in new-look XI

Chelsea’s comfortable FA Cup win over Charlton has strengthened the case for a new-look starting XI under Liam Rosenior, with particular focus on a versatile Chelsea star who impressed out of possession. In the 5–1 victory, the player in question completed six ball recoveries, underlining a blend of energy, tactical discipline and defensive work-rate that Rosenior is expected to lean on as he reshapes the side.

The article explains that Rosenior is in the early stages of implementing his ideas, prioritising control, counter-pressing and structure both with and without the ball. Within this framework, the highlighted Chelsea star is seen as an ideal fit: comfortable operating in tight spaces, diligent in tracking back, and aggressive in stepping out to win possession. His defensive contributions against Charlton are presented as clear evidence that he can execute the manager’s off-ball demands at a high level.

Beyond the recoveries, the player also contributed to Chelsea’s fluid attacking play, frequently rotating positions and helping to maintain pressure in the final third. Rosenior wants attackers who initiate the press from the front, and the Charlton game showed that this star can trigger and lead those pressing actions while still offering quality on the ball.

As Chelsea move towards a more balanced and intensive style, the article argues that this performance has likely elevated the player from rotation option to a key component of Rosenior’s preferred XI. His ability to combine high defensive output with technical quality makes him well placed to retain his place when tougher opposition arrives, and the Charlton display is framed as an early sign that he will be central to Chelsea’s tactical evolution under their new head coach.