Why Andre Schurrle Is Under Most Pressure for Chelsea After Win over Arsenal

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea maintained their unbeaten record against Arsene Wenger's Arsenal with a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. The Blues were in control for much of the game despite the Gunners' dominance in possession and several players put in their best performances of the season so far. 

Andre Schurrle was not one of them.

Preferred to Willian on the right of the attacking trio, the World Cup winner was all over the place from the kick off. Although his efforts to be everywhere at once were well intentioned, they ended up being ineffective as he made two tackles and an interception while committing one foul.

In fact, WhoScored rated Schurrle lowest of the Chelsea starting XI, even behind Thibaut Courtois who was substituted after 24 minutes.

The staggering strength in depth of Chelsea's squad means that competition for places across the park is fierce. However, the attacking midfield positions are still the most competitive.

Eden Hazard and Oscar have locked down their places in Mourinho's preferred XI with some standout performances in the past few weeks, most notably against Arsenal. Like Schurrle, Oscar was everywhere throughout the match but managed to contribute twice as many tackles and three times as many interceptions, despite committing five fouls. 

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With Mohamed Salah and Willian also able to play on the right of the attack, Schurrle should be aware that he will need to improve if he is to avoid spending a significant spell on the bench. Willian in particular has made the most of the opportunities he has been afforded this season, making eight tackles in six appearances while committing half as many fouls as Schurrle has in the same number of games.

The Brazilian has also made five key passes to Schurrle's two and completed eight successful dribbles to the German's two, highlighting his attacking credentials. Willian also bests Schurrle in passing accuracy with a completion rate of 88.5 percent to Schurrle's 80.3 percent.

The Squawka comparison matrix paints an even grimmer picture for the German. Despite playing 304 minutes to Willian's 267, Schurrle has only created two chances compared to Willian's five. Although he has had 15 shots to the Brazilian's seven, his accuracy is a woeful 25 percent versus Willian's 57 percent. 

Mourinho made it clear this summer that Schurrle is part of his plans for the future at Chelsea amid speculation linking the 23-year-old with a move to Atletico Madrid. Speaking to Mirror Sport, Schurrle said: 

"

Mourinho has given me this feeling that I would be a big part of the team. He plans with me and he wants me in this team and he wants to play me.

That’s why I want to stay at this club. Everything here is good for me. I have the pressure to perform, I have the pressure to do well in training. I have the great fans that all support me here and so there was no question for me that I would leave this club in the summer. I just want to take the chances I get, improve my game, improve myself and we’ll see what happens.

"

It is clear that Schurrle is working hard, and his enthusiasm is encouraging. However, with such strong competition for a place in his position, he is under pressure to refine his game quickly, or risk losing out on his starting spot.

Statistics all per WhoScored.com unless otherwise noted.