Five attributes of Nemanja Matic Chelsea will miss

Another summer transfer window is done and dusted and Premier League clubs have once again spent heavily on players. Amidst Neymar's world-record controversial transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and the Blaugrana's failed attempts to sign Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, one transfer that has been a hot topic in England has certainly been that of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.

While Jose Mourinho will relish the acquisition of Matic, no football expert has managed to fathom the reasoning behind Chelsea letting go of such a valuable player.

Moreover, Matic started the season with a Man of the Match performance in a 4-0 league win over West Ham.

Matic signed for United in the summer transfer window

It was Jose Mourinho himself who had brought Matic to Stamford Bridge in January 2014 from Benfica. The Serbian proved to be pivotal for Chelsea last season, as he garnered seven assists and one goal in 35 league appearances, while bossing the midfield in the process.

He won two league titles, in 2015 and 2017, and an English League Cup in 2017. His partnership with teammate N'Golo Kante in the midfield, after Conte shifted to a 3-4-3 formation, saw Chelsea achieve a 13-game winning streak. But his performances appeared to have gone unnoticed, as Conte sold him in a £40 million deal to United. So, the question remains, 'Will Chelsea miss Matic?

Considering these five attributes of the solid Serbian, Chelsea would definitely feel his absence.

AERIAL PROWESS

Standing at six-foot-four, Matic does make for a solid presence in central midfield, something that holds paramount importance in Conte's 3-4-3 formation. With Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses quite weak in the air on the right side, Matic could have certainly shored up that side of the field with his ability to win aerial balls.

Although Tiemoue Bakayoko offers better defensive cover than the Serbian, one must not forget the fact that Matic was employed quite offensively last season, while his partner N'Golo Kante shouldered the defensive duties.

PASSING

Matic made seven assists last season

In the passing department, Matic made his mark last season, garnering 7 assists. Six of them came in between August and November. The Serbian's ability to produce successful long-balls while sitting deep in the midfield poses a great danger for the opponents.

His 88% pass accuracy also brightens up his CV as a central midfielder. Also, Matic has better vision than both Bakayoko and Drinkwater when it comes to distribution of the ball. No midfielder made more tackles and interceptions combined (540) than Matic since he joined Chelsea in January 2014. That certainly is the cherry on the cake for United fans!

OFFENSIVE MINDSET

Matic won two league titles with Chelsea, in 2015 and 2017

Matic is far superior in attack when compared to both Chelsea new comers Bakayoko and Drinkwater, with a better dribble completion rate last season. His forward runs and the ability to release balls in the final third give him the edge over his midfield counterparts. Even though Chelsea's attack looks fairly settled, additional contribution from the central midfield would not go amiss.

Matic created more chances last season (27) than Drinkwater and Bakayoko, who produced 15 each. Also, his presence in the side saw Cesc Fabregas being unburdened of his defensive duties, which directly contributed to the Chelsea attack.

TACKLING

Matic is one of the best tacklers in the Premier League

Over the years, Matic has proven to be a strong tackler, resembling his country mate Nemanja Vidic. The Serbian is capable of breaking attacks in the midfield and orchestrating counter attacks with defence-splitting passes, like the one he produced on his debut versus West Ham for the Red Devils.

It was his interception in United's half that allowed Paul Pogba to set up the counter attack leading to a goal.

Matic made an impressive 55 interceptions last season and Chelsea would definitely feel the absence of his holding abilities.

EXPERIENCE

Matic celebrates his goal versus Tottenham

Experience is a crucial factor when it comes to the Premier League. Newcomers in the Premier League generally take a while to settle down owing to the fast and physical aspect of the game. With Bakayoko arriving only in the recently-concluded transfer window, Matic's five-year experience in England would certainly have been more useful to Chelsea.

Also, considering the fact that Bakayoko is quite inconsistent and requires a better midfield partner to cover for him on occasion, Matic is definitely a better choice. Bakayoko at 22 still has a long way to go to be compared to the Serbian powerhouse, considering the 28-year-old's vast experience in the Premier League. Only time will tell whether he can surpass the Serb in the upcoming seasons.

United's midfield now certainly looks rock solid with Matic in the holding role, giving Paul Pogba the license to roam and help in the attack. If United do continue their form throughout the season, they might end up winning the league. In the meantime, the Londoners are left with nothing but to rue their blunder.