Pochettino’s four Chelsea pillars include two players you wouldn’t expect

Dan Kilpatrick covered Tottenham for the Evening Standard for many years, so you’d expect him to be well connected with Mauricio Pochettino.

When he writes a story about the past Spurs and future Chelsea boss, we listen.

Today he says Pochettino has four “pillars” he intends to build his team at Stamford Bridge around. Three of them are notable for one reason or another.

Reece James is a no-brainer – he’s world class in his position and homegrown, with a long contract. Any incoming manager would be relying on him.

The others are far more interesting – Mason Mount has been a pillar, but looks very likely to leave this summer with no new contract apparently close to being signed. Does Poch know he’s about to lose a pillar before he even walks in the door?

Then there’s Conor Gallagher. He’s only just worked his way into the regular starting team, and plenty of fans don’t like his style. But for Pochettino, he could be perfect.

Finally, there’s Levi Colwill. He looks absolutely brilliant, and has had two superb loans. But he’s literally never played a competitive game for Chelsea. He’s likely a great choice – but it’s certainly bold from our new boss to consider him a foundation.