Change is happening for Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice as Thomas Tuchel has been named England manager.
The two England representatives in the Arsenal squad are braced for the managerial change in 2025.
Tuchel becoming the Three Lions boss could impact more than just the current duo in the national team, with a possible opening for Ben White in the pipeline.
Rice and Saka were integral parts of Gareth Southgate’s and Lee Carsley’s squads and are expected to be of great importance to the former Chelsea boss too.
England problem that Thomas Tuchel could cause Bukayo Saka
Tuchel is an exciting figure to take the helm at St Georges Park, with the German being a proven winner during his domestic career.
The 51-year-old most notably won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, coaching Kai Havertz to score the winning goal in the final on that memorable night for Arsenal’s rivals.
Tuchel’s appointment will come as good news for many, however, pundit Micah Richards has raised one point that could cause an issue for Saka.
“At Chelsea he played three at the back at times where he builds up, at times he’s played two number 10’s as well. There’s so many questions that need answering.”
The subject of Tuchel playing a back three with two wing-backs could come as a concern for players like Saka, who thrive being the furthest figure forward on the flanks.
Mikel Arteta is getting the absolute best out of Saka at the Emirates by giving him vibrant support at fullback through the likes of White and Jurrien Timber, something the forward might not get if Tuchel plays a back three.
It could be that if the German’s 3-4-2-1 structure is transferred to the England squad, Saka’s role would be altered, with it yet to be seen if such would be detrimental to the assured winger.
Where Saka could play under Tuchel
As Arsenal know, Saka is flexible in his position but there’s no doubt that the wide player performs best on the right flank.
In the instance that Tuchel were to implement a 3-4-2-1 formation in the Three Lions camp, there are at least two options for change that the Arsenal star could be involved in.
The 23-year-old could be utilised as one of two number 10’s, taking up a more central role to come inside from the flank to accommodate the wing-back in the wide areas.
Alternatively, Tuchel could consider Saka as a wing-back himself, a role that saw him rise to prominence at Arsenal under Unai Emery.
Either way, it would be interesting to see the Englishman operate in either role however, it remains to be seen whether the German opts to seek inspiration from his past success in the formation.
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