Torres Dropped for Hazard - False 9 Approach
There has been a lot of talk around twitter, apparently Roberto Di Matteo is going to drop Fernando for our vital Champions League clash...
https://www.chelseadaft.org/2012/11/torres-dropped-for-hazard-false-9.html?m=0
There has been a lot of talk around twitter, apparently Roberto Di Matteo is going to drop Fernando for our vital Champions League clash in favor of Hazard as a false 9. Before I get into this I will quickly talk about the source for this info.
Yes it is from the DailyMail, commonly dubbed "the DailyFail", which granted reduces the credibility of the story. However this has been, for lack of a better word, "confirmed" by John Chapman on twitter, who is apparently very reliable when it comes to info like this.
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Now, I am sure you are all aware that Hazard is more than capable of playing this role, he did so against England for Belgium. But I have to say I am a little sceptical about how this will work away from home against such a strong team. The reasons being;
- We won't have any sort of direct outlet at all for the counter, Hazard is a small technical player, not a natural striker by any means.
- We will lack penetration in attack, we will essentially be playing a 4-2-4-0, with Hazard dropping into midfield. Barcelona have the luxury of having Messi to do his thing, we unfortunately do not.
- We will not be able to cross balls up into the box with any sort of success, Hazard did score a header, but it was a one in a million (shown by his hilarious reaction to scoring the goal)
- Experimenting a new style of attack in such an important game is risky to say the least!
However, there are some clear benefits;
- Hazard's attacking threat can be utilized without his lack of defensive abilities hindering our defence
- We will be almost impossible to man mark, with so much movement in and around the box
- It will undoubtedly lead to a more lively attack, especially compared to Fernando Torres' recent outings.
Apparent starting line-up;
Cech
Ivanovic-Cahill-Luiz-Cole
Mikel-Ramires
Azpilicueta-Oscar-Mata
Hazard
Azpilicueta seems to be the "defensive" change to the midfield that Di Matteo was talking about, Oscar, Mata, Ramires and Mikel are unconfirmed, however I am pretty certain they will all start as per usual.
So Chelsea fans, what do you think?
Will this work well?
- Hazard's attacking threat can be utilized without his lack of defensive abilities hindering our defence
- We will be almost impossible to man mark, with so much movement in and around the box
- It will undoubtedly lead to a more lively attack, especially compared to Fernando Torres' recent outings.
Apparent starting line-up;
Cech
Ivanovic-Cahill-Luiz-Cole
Mikel-Ramires
Azpilicueta-Oscar-Mata
Hazard
Azpilicueta seems to be the "defensive" change to the midfield that Di Matteo was talking about, Oscar, Mata, Ramires and Mikel are unconfirmed, however I am pretty certain they will all start as per usual.
So Chelsea fans, what do you think?
Will this work well?
Or is it a bad idea?
Leave your opinions and reasons behind those opinions!
Article by Martin Smith
Follow me on twitter @MartinSmithCFC
Carefree & KTBFFH!
Sounds intriguing, but sounds risky to attempt something so experimental in such a clutch game. Maybe better suited to try against a lesser team. I think for me, I'd rather see Sturridge get the start and keep the attacking onslaught of Hazard, Mata, and Oscar right behind him. However, if Hazard pulls this new role off, De Mateo will look like a genius.
ReplyDeleteI'd play with-
ReplyDelete-Sturridge-
Hazard-Mata-Oscar-Ramires
-Mikel-
Cole-Cahill-Ivanovic-Azpi
-Cech
I'm picking Ramires on the right wing cause if you remember last year he was playing in that position most of the time (because we had Meireles playing in the holding midfielder spot alongside Mikel) extremely well their especially with the width and pace he offers. And I'm putting Ivanovic as a center half cause he the second best after terry in that position and will provide some solid defence alongside Cahill.