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Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Mykhailo Mudryk\u2019s recent return to the starting XI has played a part in Ben Chilwell\u2019s relegation to the Chelsea substitutes\u2019 bench.<\/p>\n
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old appeared destined for a prominent role in the Argentine\u2019s new-look side when he was made a key part of Chelsea\u2019s leadership group in the summer.<\/p>\n
Chilwell looked back to his best after an injury-hit campaign last season, featuring prominently in a draw against Liverpool and in a more attack-minded role against Luton Town.<\/p>\n
Pochettino\u2019s desire to get the pace and direct running of Mudryk into his starting XI has, however, prompted Pochettino to cut Chilwell\u2019s playing time, with Levi Colwill, nominally a centre-half, deployed at full-back.<\/p>\n
\u2018I am so happy with Levi and the way he is playing. He is providing the team with a very good balance,\u2019 said Pochettino ahead of tomorrow\u2019s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton. \u2018Chilly has the possibility to play tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n
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\u2018We were using him maybe not in his best position because he was a winger,\u2019 said Pochettino when asked about Chilwell\u2019s lack of game time. <\/p>\n
\u2018That is why when we start to play with Mischa, our thought was to keep Levi in the position.\u2019<\/p>\n
When asked about the form of veteran centre-half Thiago Silva, Pochettino added: \u2018Thiago is already doing well,\u2019before turning the conversation back towards his reasoning behind Colwill\u2019s inclusion at left-back.<\/p>\n
\u2018The way we want to play and the moment we recover some offensive players, he is very good. He is strong, you need a strong defensive line, the data we have, we are one of the best in the league. <\/p>\n
\u2018When you have an offensive player in front sometimes you don\u2019t need an offensive full back.\u2019<\/p>\n