This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri gave the Blues a timely reminder of his talents with a fine performance for Italy against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the chalkboard

The 25-year-old has been in and out of Frank Lampard’s Blues team thus far this season.

An injury-enforced absence saw him miss encounters against Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton, Newcastle United and Burnley.

He has played 90 minutes against both Watford and Crystal Palace but has yet to make a single appearance in the Champions League, with Marcos Alonso instead preferred on the left-hand side of defence.

For Italy, though, Emerson lined up at left-back as Roberto Mancini’s side ran out 3-0 winners in their Euro 2020 qualifier.

Per WhoScored, he had a total of 82 touches of the ball, had one shot on goal and had a pass accuracy of 86%.

Emerson also completed one dribble and won 100% of the tackles he attempted, while also making one clearance.

Dynamic presence

Emerson is excellent down the left flank.

For Italy, he continually looked to attack Bosnia, having been given licence to attack by the former Manchester City boss.

It presents a nice headache for Blues manager Lampard, with two exceptional left-backs both vying for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge.

Emerson’s latest showing proves that he has the attributes required to bomb up and down the left side of the pitch, while also having the defensive attributes needed to win the ball back whenever necessary.

One thing is for certain and that is that he is fully recovered from his injury woes; it remains to be seen if Lampard will take notice and give him the opportunity to become first-choice ahead of Alonso.