Former Blue Pat Nevin claimed it wasn’t fair on Axel Disasi after Enzo Maresca deployed him at right back against Everton.
The Blues dropped two points in the goalless draw at Goodison Park as they the missed the chance to momentarily go top of the league.
Instead the gap to leaders Liverpool has increased to four, whilst third placed Arsenal have reduced the arrears to the Blues down to two points.
Nevin felt sorry Disasi
With Marc Cucurella suspended and Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana still injured it was expected that Renato Veiga would come in at left back.
However, Maresca left the Portugal international out and deployed a makeshift backline which saw Disasi start at right back, whilst Tosin Adarabioyo partnered Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto shifted to left back.
Axel Disasi in action for Chelsea. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Disasi was handed a rare Premier League start against Everton. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Whilst fans may have felt concerned about the defence before kick off, the Blues actually defended really well, with Tosin producing a brilliant block to deny a goal, whilst Disasi also acquitted himself well.
The Frenchman has struggled for regular minutes and this was just his third league start of the season, which has led to the 26-year-old being linked with a January departure.
It’s fair to say this will likely be Disasi’s last season at Chelsea, although he could be an important player for the Blues if defensive injury issues persist throughout the season.
Former Blues Nevin said on commentary for the BBC that he felt sorry for Disasi because he was playing out of position.
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Enzo Maresca on the touchline in the win over Shamrock Rovers. (Photo by: Crystal Pix/MB Media)
Robert Sanchez spreads himself to stop Jack Harrison's shot. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca and Jadon Sancho at full time against Everton. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
“You need to get Ndiaye one-on-one with Disasi in the wide area. It’s not fair, he just skipped past him. It’s not Disasi’s fault, he’s not a natural wide player.”
Disasi actually defended pretty well and is no stranger to playing at right back having done so on a number of occasions in the Conference League, but it’s unlikely the former Monaco man will retain his place in the side as the Blues look to return to winning ways on Boxing day against Fulham.