5 players who deserve more opportunities at Chelsea

Chelsea are in excellent form at the moment. Having won the Champions League last season, they have built on that success under Thomas Tuchel this season.

They are currently top of the Premier League, and are among the favourites to win the league this time. They have quality in every position, which means some players have not had too many chances to display their worth.

With quality in every position, manager Tuchel has a welcome headache. Not all players will be happy with his decisions, though. On that note, here's a look at the five players who deserve more opportunities at Chelsea.

#5 Saul Niguez

Saul Niguez's career has stagnated in recent years. From being a young superstar at Atletico Madrid, he is now warming the bench at Chelsea.

Last season, he only had limited impact for the La Liga giants as they won the league title. The Spain international joined Chelsea on a loan deal this summer amid much fanfare. His technical qualities and defensive prowess seemingly made him an ideal addition to Thomas Tuchel's side.

However, he has struggled at Chelsea. A poor debut against Aston Villa did not help his cause. He has also found it difficult to oust stars like Jorginho, N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic from the first XI.

The 26-year-old has only made two Premier League appearances, accumulating a grand total of 48 minutes. The sample size is too small right now to make a judgement. But right now it seems unlikely Chelsea will make his deal permanent.

#4 Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Malmo FF vs Chelsea FC: Group H - UEFA Champions League

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was once regarded as the future of the Chelsea midfield. Injuries have hampered his development, though.

A product of Chelsea's famed youth academy, Loftus-Cheek displayed his talent during loan spells with Crystal Palace and Fulham. Since then, he has produced some good performances for Chelsea, but consistent injury problems have proved to be a big problem. Loftus-Cheek has now been overtaken by bigger names at the club.

The England international has looked sharp this season, and has done a good job when called upon. He has made two starts in the Premier League, which is evident that manager Tuchel rates him well. The 25-year-old has what it takes to become a regular fixture in Chelsea's midfield.

#3 Hakim Ziyech

Much was expected from Hakim Ziyech when he signed for Chelsea from Ajax in 2020 for £36 million.

A highly creative forward, Ziyech was sensational for Ajax. The Morocco international was expected to become Chelsea's creator-in-chief, but he has not been utilised regularly since joining the club. Tuchel has preferred other players, and Ziyech has also had some injury issues.

The 28-year-old has made just two Premier League starts this season, and is yet to make a goal contribution in the league. Ziyech was linked with a move away this summer, with clubs like AC Milan and Lyon touted as potential destinations. A move to a less physical league could serve him well.

#2 Timo Werner

Timo Werner's troubles in front of goal were covered extensively last season. Nevertheless, he managed 14 goal contributions in the league.

The arrival of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan for a club-record fee of £103.5 million this summer has pushed Werner down the pecking order, though. The Germany international cost Chelsea nearly £48 million last summer.

His first season in England drew polarising views from fans and critics. While Werner made Chelsea's attack work, his wastefulness and poor finishing frustrated fans.

This season, the 25-year-old has made four Premier League starts, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Werner is unlikely to be happy with the current setup, and it would not be surprising to see the injured forward angling for a move soon, with the FIFA World Cup coming up next year.

#1 Callum Hudson-Odoi

Callum Hudson-Odoi clearly deserves to start every game for a top club like Chelsea, but he continues to be a squad player at the club.

Another Chelsea youth academy product, Hudson-Odoi made headlines when Bayern Munich made a serious attempt to sign him in 2019. Chelsea rebuffed Bayern's bid, and Hudson-Odoi subsequently signed a new deal at the club.

The England international is a creative, technically gifted winger who has displayed his qualities time and again when called upon.

Tuchel attempted to use Hudson-Odoi as a wing-back, but it is evident that his talent is best utilised further forward. The 20-year-old has made four Premier League appearances, scoring one goal, this season. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund were linked with him this summer.