Jumaat, 9 November 2012
CHELSEA BACK FOUR
have the most entertaining back four in the Premier League. If one disregards the off-field antics of the more controversial personality traits in Chelsea’s defenders, and concentrate on their on-pitch performances, they are a joy to watch.
David Luiz, may be unpredictable, and at times unreliable, but he plays the sport with a charismatic, youthful disregard. Given his talent for taking almost comedic-length run ups for penalties, technically unique (and deadly) free-kicks, and desire to impact the game, he makes his position his own. This season he has proven that he can also defend, especially when partnered with Terry.
Gary Cahill scores exclusively excellent goals, including overhead kicks, volleys and 25 yard screamers. He commands aerial dominance when in defence and when attacking the opposition box. Cahill is a very English defender in the ilk of John Terry, willing to put his body on the line to do his job.
Branislav Ivanovic has been one of Chelsea’s outstanding performers in the past couple of seasons. He too loves getting amongst the goals, almost single handedly dragging Chelsea through the Champions League home tie against Napoli last season. Ivanovic boasts 3 goals this season already and often finds himself in good attacking positions for crossing and supporting forward play. Defensively Ivanovic is a rock, a brick wall; his positioning a reading of the game lead to Alan Hansen suggesting he is Chelsea best centre back and he is without doubt one of the best right backs in the Premier League.
Oh and on the left side there’s the ever industrious and consistent Ashley Cole whose talents have been respected for many years now.
As a squad however, Chelsea do look a little light in the centre of defence, especially with John Terry absent. Since his suspension began, they have not kept a clean sheet. This will worry Di Matteo, no matter how many spectacular goals the current back line can score.
Mehdi Benatia, 25, is a Moroccan international who plays for Udinese. He is a highly rated centre-back, reported to be a target for Barcelona and Juventus. The Italian side have put a price tag of around £10 million for Benatia, a price that Abramovic could be tempted to part with for a top quality defender.
It will be a long season for Chelsea as they compete in numerous competitions and try and be the first team to successfully defend the Champions League. Adding some depth to their defence seems like a very sensible option and Chelsea could probably do with someone that doesn’t mind not getting on the score sheet, to add some more stability to a back line whose weaknesses have been slightly exposed in recent weeks.
Read more at http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2012/11/premiership/the-10m-man-who-could-be-defending-the-bridge-in-the-new-year#bh6e8JfFhRzzqLfX.99
MOSESS
Victor Moses’ move from Wigan to Chelsea was seen as one of the stranger moves of the Summer Transfer Window, supposedly to be back up to the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar who had already signed on at the club. However, considering his impact (albeit off the bench) so far this season, he could be one of Chelsea’s most dangerous weapons throughout the season.
The winger’s goal to win the crucial tie against Shakhtar Donetsk was his third in three games, and gives Roberto Di Matteo something to think of ahead of his side’s Premier League encounter against Liverpool this Sunday. His rise to success, first at Crystal Palace, and then at Wigan lead Chelsea to sign him, and his unpredictability, and ‘no fear’ attitude could really be a game changer.
“Chelsea had Mata, Oscar and Hazard, who all want to play No 10. They appear to lack real width” said John Motson, talking of the game earlier in the season against Stoke.
With this talented, yet narrow, trio behind the struggling Fernando Torres, the winger’s direct running at defenders, will give plenty of teams, something completely different to think about. Chelsea have started with the 4-2-3-1 in every game this season, and on most occasions it has been Oscar, Mata, and Hazard behind the lone Striker. While this has been effective looking at the League table, how long can this last? Firstly, there’s the risk of fatigue, and secondly, surely teams will be able to set up their side appropriately in the future for the threat posed by the three young playmakers.
Furthermore, in games where Moses is deployed as a winger, he will give natural width to the side, allowing the likes of Oscar/Hazard/Mata more space in the centre of the park. £9 million was the eventual fee agreed for the Nigerian winger, but in today’s market, for a dangerous impact sub, or even a starter in certain games; it may just end up being one of the better deals of the summer.
“He comes from Norbury, he parted the Red Sea”, sang Crystal Palace fans about their former prized possession, and while I doubt he has such biblical powers, opposition defences may be parted for years to come at Stamford Bridge.
The winger’s goal to win the crucial tie against Shakhtar Donetsk was his third in three games, and gives Roberto Di Matteo something to think of ahead of his side’s Premier League encounter against Liverpool this Sunday. His rise to success, first at Crystal Palace, and then at Wigan lead Chelsea to sign him, and his unpredictability, and ‘no fear’ attitude could really be a game changer.
“Chelsea had Mata, Oscar and Hazard, who all want to play No 10. They appear to lack real width” said John Motson, talking of the game earlier in the season against Stoke.
With this talented, yet narrow, trio behind the struggling Fernando Torres, the winger’s direct running at defenders, will give plenty of teams, something completely different to think about. Chelsea have started with the 4-2-3-1 in every game this season, and on most occasions it has been Oscar, Mata, and Hazard behind the lone Striker. While this has been effective looking at the League table, how long can this last? Firstly, there’s the risk of fatigue, and secondly, surely teams will be able to set up their side appropriately in the future for the threat posed by the three young playmakers.
Furthermore, in games where Moses is deployed as a winger, he will give natural width to the side, allowing the likes of Oscar/Hazard/Mata more space in the centre of the park. £9 million was the eventual fee agreed for the Nigerian winger, but in today’s market, for a dangerous impact sub, or even a starter in certain games; it may just end up being one of the better deals of the summer.
“He comes from Norbury, he parted the Red Sea”, sang Crystal Palace fans about their former prized possession, and while I doubt he has such biblical powers, opposition defences may be parted for years to come at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea plan B 4,3,2,1
As we all know, Roberto loves his 4-2-3-1 formation, and it has served us well up to now. My question is; what is our plan B when things aren't happening for us?
We obviously already have the option of injecting pace, power and direct running from the bench (in the form of Victor Moses), we also have another direct winger who is more agile and likes to cut inside to get an early shot off (Marin) and let's not forget the energetic but sometimes greedy Sturridge. But other than that, the system cannot be further modified in an attacking sense.
So what could be the solution to this? What other alternative do we have if we need to switch it up and give the opposition something different to think about?
I believe the 4-3-2-1 could be the answer.
Note - I am not saying the image above should be the definitive line up, it is merely a suggestion, plus i go into more detail about our other options below!
The 4-3-2-1 is very similar to the 4-3-3 system that past Chelsea teams have played in in terms of the midfield; it gives you an extra man deeper in the midfield so it is much better for keeping possession and controlling games. Due to it being similar, I highly doubt there will be the uncertain “bedding in period” that often occurs when new tactics are introduced.
Here are some of the things that the 4-3-2-1 formation can offer Chelsea;
Better Possession
Keeping possession to close out games has been a problem for us this season; I noticed it in the Arsenal game and most obviously against Swansea when we conceded the late equalizer. As I said having that extra man in the central of midfield will really help with controlling the game.
More central midfield combination options
We can have 3 in our engine room instead of 2, allowing for a greater variety of different skill sets in the centre, meaning we can greater compliment players strengths at the same time as adequately covering their weaknesses. An example can be seen in the suggested formation above, we have Mikel the anchor man, who offers defensive cover and accurate & safe passing, Ramires the legs of the midfield who offers all the energy and enthusiasm, then Frank the goal machine. So, Ramires is covering Frank’s lack of pace, Mikel and Ramires are covering for Frank’s lack of defensive discipline, Frank is covering Mikel’s lack of progressive/risky passing and also covering Torres’ lack of goals without getting in the way of the CAM like he did in the 4-2-3-1.
Frank Lampard’s goals
Like I mentioned above, it gives us the chance of getting Frank Lampard into the midfield without hindering our defensive shape, it allows Frank to make his dangerous late runs into the box and score those trademark goals. With Fernando not being at his best, we do need more goals from midfield, this could be a great option.
Oscar moving deeper into the midfield, whilst not being an out an out defensive midfielder
In the 4-2-3-1, if Oscar were to play deeper he would need to be much more disciplined and hold his position, therefore not utilizing him fully and not being as dangerous as he can be (feeding through the final ball and scoring goals). With Oscar in a midfield 3 (where he has played for Brazil), we can have that tempo-dictator in the middle that we have been desperately lacking so far. At multiple times this season i am sure you have seen either Hazard, Mata or Oscar often drop very deep in between Ramires and Mikel to come and collect the ball, this is because Rami and Mikel aren't getting passes into "Mazacar" quick enough. Oscar set in a deeper role could solve this.
We can still keep our unpredictable movement in the attacking midfield areas
Mata and Hazard won’t be playing as traditional wingers by any means, they will be roaming freely as they do in the 4-2-3-1, finding space and making things happen. Obviously, as in the 4-2-3-1, our natural width will come from the full backs pushing up (as they always do in the modern game).
Other possible central midfield options;
Oscar-Mikel-Ramires = This would be a very well balanced midfield, it would be good for controlling the game, we have the tempo-dictator Oscar, the anchor man to break up play in Mikel and bags of pace and running with Ramires. Lampard instead of Oscar will offer less passing and creating prowess but more strength/steel and goals.
Lampard-Ramires-Oscar = This would be if we wanted to go all out attack, particularly if we are chasing a game, obviously Ramires will have to be more disciplined with his forward running than usual, but he is more than capable of that. We have Oscar with his excellent passing and his ability to control a game, tons of energy in Ramires and goals in Frank.
Lampard-Mikel-Oscar = This would be another very good way to set up if we want to completely dominate possession, Mikel can break up the play and play quick short pass into Oscar and let him work his magic, with Lampard making late runs into the box and scoring goals.
Note - i haven't included Romeu because he is clearly out of favor with RDM in terms of getting into the first team.
The back four
The debate still rages on about who should be starting in the defence and who creates the best combination, I will leave this one up to you, it is honestly too hard for me to call!
So Chelsea fans, what do you think?
Would the 4-3-2-1 suit us well?
We obviously already have the option of injecting pace, power and direct running from the bench (in the form of Victor Moses), we also have another direct winger who is more agile and likes to cut inside to get an early shot off (Marin) and let's not forget the energetic but sometimes greedy Sturridge. But other than that, the system cannot be further modified in an attacking sense.
So what could be the solution to this? What other alternative do we have if we need to switch it up and give the opposition something different to think about?
I believe the 4-3-2-1 could be the answer.
Note - I am not saying the image above should be the definitive line up, it is merely a suggestion, plus i go into more detail about our other options below!
The 4-3-2-1 is very similar to the 4-3-3 system that past Chelsea teams have played in in terms of the midfield; it gives you an extra man deeper in the midfield so it is much better for keeping possession and controlling games. Due to it being similar, I highly doubt there will be the uncertain “bedding in period” that often occurs when new tactics are introduced.
Here are some of the things that the 4-3-2-1 formation can offer Chelsea;
Better Possession
Keeping possession to close out games has been a problem for us this season; I noticed it in the Arsenal game and most obviously against Swansea when we conceded the late equalizer. As I said having that extra man in the central of midfield will really help with controlling the game.
More central midfield combination options
We can have 3 in our engine room instead of 2, allowing for a greater variety of different skill sets in the centre, meaning we can greater compliment players strengths at the same time as adequately covering their weaknesses. An example can be seen in the suggested formation above, we have Mikel the anchor man, who offers defensive cover and accurate & safe passing, Ramires the legs of the midfield who offers all the energy and enthusiasm, then Frank the goal machine. So, Ramires is covering Frank’s lack of pace, Mikel and Ramires are covering for Frank’s lack of defensive discipline, Frank is covering Mikel’s lack of progressive/risky passing and also covering Torres’ lack of goals without getting in the way of the CAM like he did in the 4-2-3-1.
Frank Lampard’s goals
Like I mentioned above, it gives us the chance of getting Frank Lampard into the midfield without hindering our defensive shape, it allows Frank to make his dangerous late runs into the box and score those trademark goals. With Fernando not being at his best, we do need more goals from midfield, this could be a great option.
Oscar moving deeper into the midfield, whilst not being an out an out defensive midfielder
In the 4-2-3-1, if Oscar were to play deeper he would need to be much more disciplined and hold his position, therefore not utilizing him fully and not being as dangerous as he can be (feeding through the final ball and scoring goals). With Oscar in a midfield 3 (where he has played for Brazil), we can have that tempo-dictator in the middle that we have been desperately lacking so far. At multiple times this season i am sure you have seen either Hazard, Mata or Oscar often drop very deep in between Ramires and Mikel to come and collect the ball, this is because Rami and Mikel aren't getting passes into "Mazacar" quick enough. Oscar set in a deeper role could solve this.
We can still keep our unpredictable movement in the attacking midfield areas
Mata and Hazard won’t be playing as traditional wingers by any means, they will be roaming freely as they do in the 4-2-3-1, finding space and making things happen. Obviously, as in the 4-2-3-1, our natural width will come from the full backs pushing up (as they always do in the modern game).
Other possible central midfield options;
Oscar-Mikel-Ramires = This would be a very well balanced midfield, it would be good for controlling the game, we have the tempo-dictator Oscar, the anchor man to break up play in Mikel and bags of pace and running with Ramires. Lampard instead of Oscar will offer less passing and creating prowess but more strength/steel and goals.
Lampard-Ramires-Oscar = This would be if we wanted to go all out attack, particularly if we are chasing a game, obviously Ramires will have to be more disciplined with his forward running than usual, but he is more than capable of that. We have Oscar with his excellent passing and his ability to control a game, tons of energy in Ramires and goals in Frank.
Lampard-Mikel-Oscar = This would be another very good way to set up if we want to completely dominate possession, Mikel can break up the play and play quick short pass into Oscar and let him work his magic, with Lampard making late runs into the box and scoring goals.
Note - i haven't included Romeu because he is clearly out of favor with RDM in terms of getting into the first team.
The back four
The debate still rages on about who should be starting in the defence and who creates the best combination, I will leave this one up to you, it is honestly too hard for me to call!
So Chelsea fans, what do you think?
Would the 4-3-2-1 suit us well?
De Bruyne much more complete than Hazard
According to Kevin De Bruyne´s former coach, Hein Vanhaezebrouck, the on-loan Chelsea midfielder is a more complete player and has a more expansive game than his Belgian counterpart, Eden Hazard, who has set the Premier League alight this year with his impressive attacking play for Chelsea.
He is quoted as saying: “Kevin is a much more complete than Hazard, He has a more extensive repertoire; he can play it left and right, short and long. He can dribble, make time and space and score from long distances.
“He can play on the left, on the right, or in the middle as be the second defensive midfielder alongside [Axel] Witsel when playing for the Belgian national side.
“Hazard is more like human lightening; he is able to go past one or two men and hit a difficult long pass. But he rarely plays it diagonally, his vision of the game is limited to the areas in front of him and his awareness is less.”
Chelsea´s Kevin De Bruyne, 21, was signed from Genk last January and stayed at the club until the end of the season, And has this season been playing on loan at Werder Bremen, scoring 3 goals in 10 starts for the German Bundesliga side, and he is hotly tipped to be a success when he returns to Stamford Bridge next summer.
He is quoted as saying: “Kevin is a much more complete than Hazard, He has a more extensive repertoire; he can play it left and right, short and long. He can dribble, make time and space and score from long distances.
“He can play on the left, on the right, or in the middle as be the second defensive midfielder alongside [Axel] Witsel when playing for the Belgian national side.
“Hazard is more like human lightening; he is able to go past one or two men and hit a difficult long pass. But he rarely plays it diagonally, his vision of the game is limited to the areas in front of him and his awareness is less.”
Chelsea´s Kevin De Bruyne, 21, was signed from Genk last January and stayed at the club until the end of the season, And has this season been playing on loan at Werder Bremen, scoring 3 goals in 10 starts for the German Bundesliga side, and he is hotly tipped to be a success when he returns to Stamford Bridge next summer.
Khamis, 1 November 2012
Five reasons to give Chelsea hope against Barcelona
1 Torres is their chief tormentor
Believe it or not, the shadow of his former self wearing the Chelsea No9 shirt has the best record of any striker in recent history against Barcelona. He's scored seven in 10 games against them. And although the last of those goals was scored in September 2005 (Leo Messi was 17, Saddam Hussein was still knocking about, Liverpool were European champions – it was a while ago), it may be that the mere sight of a Barça jersey reminds him what it is he used to do best: score goals. Then again, Roberto Di Matteo may start with Didier Drogba instead.2 Messi has not scored against them
Barça's little genius (well, this one anyway) has scored almost a goal a game in his career to date, but in six matches against Chelsea he has not hit the net once and Barça have not beaten Chelsea in the past five. It's true that the Chelsea teams he's faced previously were better than this lot, but the lineups weren't all that different either, and John Terry and co have managed to keep him at bay so far. So, perhaps at the back of his mind, there lurks the tiniest seed of doubt when he plays against them. Although, the eye-boggling 63 goals he has scored so far this season suggest that Chelsea's defence may have to dig in deep to unearth it.3 Barcelona have been beaten this season
And by teams that even Chelsea would fancy their chances against. Both were away defeats, the first was a 1-0 loss at Getafe in which Barça failed to score despite having 20 attempts on target and 73% possession. The second, February's 3-2 defeat at Osasuna, featured a Barça team missing two parts of their holy trinity of Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, amen. So perhaps it's a realistic aim for Chelsea to nick a win by a one-goal margin at Stamford Bridge. At Camp Nou, however, Getafe were thrashed 4-0, while Osasuna were sent limping home in a daze on the back of an 8-0 mauling. Ouch.4 Chelsea haven't lost in seven matches
OK, so they haven't played anyone close to Barça's quality either but by hook or by crook they have started to grind out results in a way that they weren't capable of earlier in the season. Roberto Di Matteo's presence – whether the senior players listen to him or not – has been the catalyst for a strong collective mentality returning to the squad and, when they have conceded goals, instead of rolling their worst woe-is-me eyes in resignation, they've rolled up their sleeves and gone for the jugular, as they did in the thrilling finish to their 4-2 win at Villa Park.5 Get lucky
If all else fails Chelsea can hope the planets align in such a way that they interfere with Felix Brych's judgment and the German referee drops the kind of a clanger Martin Atkinson did at Wembley on Sunday and awards them another ghost goal. They may feel the football gods owe them one after Tom Henning Ovrebro's stoic approach to waving away a raft of solid penalty claims in the 1-1 semi-final away-goal defeat to Barça in 2009. Then again, maybe a wrathful rain will bring a flood of goals, but instead of the ghost being credited with them, it will be Messi instead. Start praying.
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