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4-2-3-1
Last season’s preferred formation can be used alternatively for big matches. The addition of a world class defensive midfielder would make this formation perfect for Chelsea, till then Ramires or Marco Van Ginkel will have to partner Nemanja Matic in the pivot.
With 2 midfielders screening the defence, Chelsea can afford to play a high backline, adding pressure while attacking as well as defending. Normally this tactic is used by teams who depend on keeping possession such as Barcelona and Guardiola’s Bayern Munich. However those teams do not possess dogged and rugged midfielders and defenders known primarily for their last ditch interceptions like Chelsea does, which adds another dimension to how this tactic can be deployed.Oscar or Cesc Fabregas could play as the creative number 10, and the forwards can enjoy their sublime distribution. With almost all of Chelsea’s wide attacking players being good with both feet, they can easily switch wings to give opposition fullbacks a torrid time.
4-4-2
For specific physical and hard to break down opponents such as Stoke City FC or West Ham United, Mourinho has the option to play with 2 burly strikers up front, to provide a substantial aerial threat from long balls.While Drogba and Costa would be quite a similar combo in attack, they could be extremely useful as aerial threats against physical teams who park the bus. Fernando Torres could provide a different kind of threat with his lighter frame and dribbling ability while Andre Schurrle’s goalscoring exploits with Germany at the World Cup means he could be given a chance as a second striker as well. (Didier Drogba could be exclusively used for the matches against Arsenal, even when he turns 60 he’ll probably find it hard not to score against them ! )This formation also requires Chelsea’s wide men to put in a shift, and Hazard and Oscar/Willian would have to run their socks off defensively as well as there would be a deficiency in the defensive midfield department due to the nature of the formation, i.e Nemanja Matic will not play as a designated CDM but as a traditional CM alongside Cesc Fabregas.
Potential Transfers
With the addition of 4 experienced players in Costa, Luis, Fabregas and Drogba, Chelsea are now ready to compete on all 4 fronts, according to manager Jose Mourinho. However, inexperience in the midfield cost the club dearly last season, and after losing talismanic midfield general Frank Lampard, some steel is required in the middle of the park.
A world class defensive midfielder in the mould of Arturo Vidal or Paul Pogba would greatly enhance Chelsea’s balance and drive, alternative options include hijacking Arsenal’s move for Sami Khedira or even Alex Song on the cheap. The ideal fantasy signing for Chelsea in the midfield department would be Yaya Toure, considering the dynamic midfielder’s birthday issues at Manchester City, but the Sky Blues would most definitely avoid strenghtening their main title rival. Chelsea could also try to exercise their extra financial muscle to acquire univerally heralded players such as Danielle De Rossi from Roma or Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund, however both these players have time and again established their loyalty for their respective clubs.Chelsea have earned praise from all over the world for their remarkable transfer activity since January 2013, where not only have they created a formidable squad for the upcoming season, but have also pocketed a cool £141 million from the sale of Juan Mata, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, David Luiz and Demba Ba, all 5 of whom were not considered as an integral part of Mourinho's plans, and were dispensable according to the Special One.
Loans : Promising youngsters like Patrick Bamford and Josh Mceachran can be loaned out to clubs based in England, preferably in the Championship, while more experienced players such as Ghana’s Christian Atsu, who impressed at Vitesse last season, can be sent to a mid table Premier League club.Outgoing : Chelsea can free up some more cash and space by selling off unused players such as Marko Marin and Victor Moses, while the search for a top defensive midfielder can be partially financed by the sale of John Obi Mikel.
Season Predictions and Conclusion
- With some mesmerising performances last season, Eden Hazard would be looking to improve his tally of 17 goals in all competitions and will be eyeing that PFA player of the year award which he narrowly missed out to the now departed Luis Suarez.
- Mourinho is not used to being trophyless and will be looking to add atleast 1 domestic cup along with the premier league title, coupled with a strong showing in the Champions League like last season.
- John Terry was arguably the outstanding defender in the Premier League last season, and will look to continue his fruitful partnership with Gary Cahill to have another defensively record breaking season.
- Diego Costa will be expected to hit the ground running straight away and fight for the golden boot along with traditional lead-setters Sergio Aguero and Van Persie.
- Just like the 2009/10 season, where Nicolas Anelka was extremely effective as a wide forward in a 4-3-3 system, Mourinho can use Fernando Torres in that role to resurrect the Spanish striker's faltering Chelsea career. Torres has a lot to offer with the ball, and is one of the better crossers in the team, however these qualities are rarely showcased due to his usual position as a central striker
- After taking a year to settle down, much is expected from attacking midfielders Andre Schurrle, Willian and Salah, whether as crucial parts of the starting 11 or as impact substitutions, these youngsters will have a big say in Chelsea’s title run.
- Last season’s best defence in the league has already been bolstered by the arrival of Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois from Atletico Madrid, and will be looking to set new clean sheet records. Courtois is probably the only keeper in the world who can adequately replace Petr Cech between the sticks, something which Mourinho doesn’t have to worry about for atleast the next decade.- To conclude, it would be safe to say that with the perfect blend of youth and experience, Chelsea are more than ready to embark on a potentially glorious journey across the 2014/15 season, and if all their new signings click right away, then Mourinho will undoubtedly have a hugely successful second season, as has traditionally been the case with him at Porto, Inter and Real Madrid before.
