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18 Jul 2014 08:07:29
I really think we need players out before any more come in. Well - Chelsea can bring in first but players must then leave, from a financial position (wages) to balance books really.
We had a good season last season - and the only glaring issue was the strikers. From last season we lost Essien in Jan, but Van Ginkle is back from injury to cover there - and we last Mata replaced by Sala.
Of the others this window - Ba has gone Costa come in, a definate improvement. Eto has gone, Lukaku has returned - again a positive for me. Lampard has been replaced by Fabergas and cole by Luis. All of those are at least on par i'd say (given relative ages).
David Luis has left us - and whilst Zuma has come in, and is probably a better CB - he may go out on loan and he "maybe" isn't up to 1st team level yet. Courtois is back improving our GK options.
Add to that the younger players - particularly Ake, Kalas and Cholobah are a year older and could cover this season, I think our depth is good.
OK - some of the youngsters "may" go out on loan again - and if Zouma does then a 1st team CB might be needed, but quite frankly that's the only position we could justify without players leaving (and if we don't get one either Zouma or Kalas can stay at Chelsea for cover this season.
Replacing Mikel would be good - with either Pogba, Vidal or Khadiera, and there is the possibility of either Torres leaving (probably not this window) and/or Lukaku (a shame but I honestly think its on the cards) so another striker may be in order - but again ONLY is one of those player leaves.
1.) Kalas has gone on loan already.
2.) Zouma is rumored to be joining Monaco on loan so Chelsea could bring in Varane
3.) 18 Jul 2014 19:13:02
Disagree with the sentiment that we need a new centre half if zouma and omereu leave. We still have terry Cahill and bran will be there far more since Luis will shift Dave over to the right. Also Christensen will be playing with the u21s so could also fill in. That said if there's a chance to get varane then you must take it.
06 Jun 2014 08:00:20
This may be long, but wanted to put my thought process forwards. Forgive spelling issues with players names too.
Couldnt help thinking Fabergas is a mistake. he's not defensive enough to sit beside Matic for mew, meaning Oscar could be on the way out - which i'd not like, and I can't help thinking why sell Mata then bring in Cesc. While not the same, there quite similar to my mind.
THEN - is Jose changing our formation? 433 would provide 3 in the middle - more defensive than the 2 in a 4231. That formation would allow Matic, Oscar AND Fabergas to play int he middle. Matic as the holder with the other two both capable of getting forwards, pinging passes, and scoring. Defensively the extra body would make up for the lesser defensive capabilities of Fabergas OR Oscar. That leaves Hazzard and Willian either side of Costa up front. Pretty potent for me.
For backup, you have Sala and Schurlle for the wide positions with and another striker still to come in (apparently) to cover (or rival) Costa. In the middle you have Van Ginkle and Ramires at present - with the rumour of Pogba/Vidal/Kroos as well providing plently of quality backup. If Ramires leaves to fund Pogba that's fine as we have some youngsters who play there as well.
With a CB (Varane most likely) and a LB also on the cards (Shaw for me, but Luis would be good too), that's quite a formidable squad.
So - that change in formation (nominal of course these days) actually makes sense for both Jose's prefered playing style - and the players linked/bought/leaving.
Thoughts?
1.) TBH, I think many fans get too hung up on set formations, whether it be 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1, 4-1-4-1, etc. I think there is a clear desire with recent signings to have players that can adapt to different systems and/or play multiple positions. this allows tactical changes in the game without needing subs. Of course, there may be a preferred formation (and personnel) for any given game however I believe the days of a set tactic are long gone.
With regards to Fabregas, we know that there is an emphasis on pressing the opposition, of which Fabregas is well versed. Of the Barcelona players, he has one of the highest work-rates and a big advantage is that he can move the ball quickly and accurately (short and long). All too often (particularly pre-Matic) our midfielders dwelled on the ball, slowed our play down and allowed the opposition to re-group. From a technical perspective, he certainly has the creativity to break down/move around a stubborn defence. another thing we have struggled with, specifically at home.
If he's available and if all parties are in agreement as to how he would fit in, I can't see much wrong with the potential signing of Fabregas. Sure, there are alternatives however a) are they available? b) what would the whole package cost? c) would they want to come to Chelsea (inc. moving country where applicable) d) do they fit the desired profile of the club. I'm sure there are many more factors!
2.) I agree with both of you. Absolutely 433 with possible transfer to 442.
If(when) signs Fabregas and Oscar stays which I would really like, than Chelsea needs only cover up for Matic. It's clear Chelsea has to signleft back maybe even two, CD or RB. And that's it.
3.) Maybe Chelsea will sign Tiago on one max.two seasons until Chalobah is ready.
4.) 06 Jun 2014 12:03:25
Paul and steve you both gave good points.
For paul though I do feel your assessment of Fabregas in comparing him to Mata is wrong, Fabregas does have a slightly more physical side than Mata and could easily play in a three man midfield, just behind the striker as a false Nine, and perhaps even at home to the lower sides as the holding player (not that it would be necessary)., so to be honest I really think he could come and oscar wouldn't have to go. But as I said earlier I do agree with some of your points. I do see us slightly changing our playing style with it being a three man midfield which would also give room for our wide players to exploit. I do agree with steve that this could be the best deal for us. Koke seems to be going nowhere, Vidal looks like its Madrid, Barca close to Rakitic and as ED said it would be difficult to get Pogba? Maybe Ramires going the other way? Barkley also a good shout but I think he is one for next summer if we don't get Pogba or another Target this summer. Would be great to have Fab. And Pogba now tho. with van Ginkel and Tiago (i would personally prefer one of the young lads, Baker, Chalobah maybe even Piazon getting a chance occasionaly?) All seems fixed there, with Costa all but sealed, all I can hope for is Lukaku as second and Courtois in goal, as for the left back I think felipe is the most likely and any other player we get would be a bonus.
P.S. Plus getting Fabregas would also make the gooners sick. So its a win win. ;)
5.) I doesn't matter how would Arsenal fans feel. What matters is that Chelsea is getting world class player and exactly the one that Chelsea really needs.
31 Aug 2016 17:45:23
A back 3 with Luis would be decent - luis can bring the ball forward well, and the other 2 would cover his defensive errors.
My problem, if how we play in front of him. Kante obviously, but I don't see any width.
WE don't have wing-backs - whcih we'd need.
Either 2 wingbacks, with 3 CBs, hazard/ costa/ willian up front with 2 CMs in the middle - Kante plus Oscar?
OR we play back 3, front 3 with 4 across the middle. Kante/ Matic/ Oscar/ Fabregas? (or a replacement) . I don't see any width defensively.
Maybe we don't need any. the back 3 with Kante/ Matic dropping deep when needed may work - especially if we use Ivan right to get forward a little. Luiz bringing the ball forward, Kante and Matic in front (solid) . Oscar and Fab pushing slightly forward, with Hazard/ Willian wider and more forward still. Almost a 3/ 2/ 4/ 1. Would be fine if those back 3 and CDM 2 can defend as one across the whole width of the pitch when needed.
31 Aug 2016 17:35:38
I can see Luiz working as a 3 at the back. One of those 3 would need to be able to bring the ball forward well - and Luiz could do that. His defensive errors would be covered by the other two.
Putting him with Terry and Cahill, or Zouma (if he stays - please god he does) or Alonso - even Ivanovic and we have plenty of cover.
My worries are how we play in front of those 3. With Kante and/ or Matic if front - that's a defensive block - BUT no wide players.
Playing Hazard/ Costa/ William across the front, with and Oscar and another (Fabregas) tucked in behind words well as a front 5 - but no wide defense.
Could Kante/ Matic/ Luis/ Terry/ Cahill work as a back 5 somehow?
08 Aug 2014 08:24:12
I don't get it sorry.
Were well within FFP, and surly the issue regarding foreign players is for Champs League? I know there are Prem rules as well bu there not as harsh.
If we realistically need another striker, a more solid Mid and possibly a CD - then get them. All we have to do is leave the players we don't want out of the CL squad. Leaving Mikel, Marin and Torrez/Drogba out of the CL squad gives us 2 more spots for say kadiera and Cavani (just as an example). Why isn't that a possibility?
The more I think - the better it sounds (in my head).
A Nominal 4-3-3 with Matic/Cesc and Oscar BUT, the wide players can drop back to make a 4-5-1 against really top opposition, Either Oscar or Cesc can go forwards to make a 4-2-3-1 (and rotate in a game so conserving energy), and if we really need to open lesser opposition "parking the buss" both can go forwards into a 4-1-4-1.