Why Ugochukwu played 'more than expected' this season - it's not his ability

 

Lesley Ugochukwu joined Chelsea in August this year and many expected that the Frenchman would be sent out on loan.

However, the midfielder has stayed at the club and has made 12 appearances. Mostly used as a substitute, he's still managed 479 minutes of football — which equals to more than five full games.

According to the Daily Mail, the 19-year-old has featured 'more often than expected' this season. This is tied with Mauricio Pochettino's previously reported desire to buy taller players.

At 6ft 3ins or 1.91m, Lesley is one of the tallest players in the squad. When Chelsea use their most usual midfield setup of Caicedo, Gallagher and Enzo, one of the centre-backs has to move up to attack long balls because Caicedo, Gallagher and Enzo are not particularly good in the air.

This leaves Chelsea vulnerable for long balls, with the centre-back who contested a header in the midfield area not having enough time to return to his position.

So Ugochukwu's minutes this season are mostly down to his height, not his ability.