DEBATE: Chelsea's strongest eleven - The midfield two.
One of the most surprising thing about this season has been Chelsea's lack of flexibility when it comes to tactics. We may have seen ...
https://www.chelseadaft.org/2013/02/debate-chelseas-strongest-eleven.html
One of the most surprising thing about this season has been Chelsea's lack of flexibility when it comes to tactics. We may have seen a slight tweak to the 4-2-3-1 formation from time to time within games but nothing much that stands out.
With Oriol Romeu the only player out injured, we have a full strength side to pick from now and I am on a mission to establish what Chelsea fans all over the world thinks is our best and strongest eleven.
I have posted up earlier the debate about our back four and now we move forward to the two central midfield positions. Just who are our strongest two?
The Midfield Two.
John Mikel Obi is the most naturally defensive of our options even though he started his career as an attacking midfielder. He has his critics but to me is still an underrated member of the team. His instincts are to defend first and provide a barrier in front of our back four. With the ball he could be better but without it? There is no coincidence that since he has been away, we have been conceding far too many goals.
Frank Lampard has adapted his game this season following on from doing so last season. Sitting deeper to allow the attacking three to support our main striker, Lampard works hard throughout midfield. The defensive side of his game has come on leaps and bounds and he still has the energy to get up to support our attacks. Lampard gives the manager the option to push forward from the deeper position where as someone like Mikel doesn't.
Ramires gives us an much more dynamic option to the others doesn't he. His energy seems endless and he has developed the defensive aspect to his game. As with Lampard, Ramires can spring forward from the deeper position giving us another option going forward.
Oscar is a player that is versatile and can play in a number of positions. Think of Rafa's Liverpool side and the role Xabi Alonso played. Alonso isn't the best defending in the middle but his eye for a pass and use of the ball is world class. Oscar has already shown at times he can be the play maker from deep. As with Lampard, Oscar has an eye for a pass and can push forward to give us another option. Big question marks remain over his defensive qualities at the moment as he needs time to adjust as Ramires has at Chelsea.
David Luiz once again comes under consideration because is has shown in recent weeks that he IS that good in the middle of midfield. He reminds me of Glen Hoddle in that position. His ability with the ball at his feet is world class and I really mean that. At times he loses his way and gives the ball away but his defensive instincts more often than not makes up for it. Arguably one of the most talented and gifted players we have at the club, does he earn one of these two midfield places?
Who would be YOUR strongest two?
Also check our our strongest attacking three here and the main striker.
Carefree & KTBFFH
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I prefer to see Luiz to Mikel in the back 2. Yes Mikel is defense first, but that's ALL he offers. He's not a great passer of the ball (% is good but they are all 5 yards and backwards), he offers absolutely nothing offensive (I've scored as many premier league goals), and when he drops back to help defend against a break, I'm terrified of the attacker cutting inside and skinning him. Luiz can pass the ball (needs to settle down on the 'over the top' long ball), can join the attack, has the pace to recover and get back, and in a 1 on 1 against the break, he's a defender for sure. He's improved massively since his arrival as far as the rash challenges (although the Brentford lad might argue that), and as soon as he cuts out the few silly misreads, and stays in position, he'll be a rock of a holding midfielder.
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