30 Aug 2020 09:05:32
Just on the midfield debate, I still feel we lack a physical presence in midfield. As good as Kante is, he needs someone bigger and more physical to help him out. Think back to the days of a Ballack, Matic or even to a lesser extent Mikel.

Our midfield is just too small, and this is where Rice would be perfect. He adds that height and physicality that we so badly need.

Kante is amazing at what he does, but without someone else capable of winning headers and being physically dominant in midfield, we're always vulnerable.

Liverpool have Fabinho and Man City for all of their brilliant technical players still have a physical presence in Rodri. Rice could be our answer to them.

1.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 10:07:40
I agree that there needs to be more physicality.

I think it could be in midfield but also from full back.

I think that is why Chilwell was pushed for ahead of others.

I agree that Rice fits, but Ampadu also could be an option.

2.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 12:53:04
Bobby1905; to buttress your point that, ‘physicality is needed in midfield next to Kante’:
Kante played his best football in the season when he played together with a physical presence like Matic next to him (under Antonio Conte) . If Chelsea decides to keep Kante, I think you will see the best of Kante when another physical CDM is next to him. Although I think the best physical defensive midfielder that can play next to Kante at the moment (that could be available) is Denis Zakaria (not Declan Rice) . I feel Ampadu or Declan Rice can do a good job playing next to Kante but the best central midfield pair for him would be that guy called Denis Zakaria. Declan Rice is physical but his link-up play and interchanging of passes is not as good as Denis Zakaria’s (remember that ability to interchange passes very well, tackle and physicality made Nemanja Matic standout next to Kante) .
I have to say that the last time Chelsea’s central midfield was very solid was when Matic and Kante played together. I honestly wised that- that pair (of Kante and Matic) played together in the UCL.

3.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 13:03:22
Havertz also is tall. That’s also an incredibly mobile midfield and could run a fair few midfields into the ground. Physicality is a plus but I’m not going to toss a fellaini in the midfield just to win some headers.

4.) 30 Aug 2020
30 Aug 2020 14:04:01
It's pretty obvious that we lack a player to anchor midfield and that player should be more physical like Fernandinho or either of Liverpool two workhorses who are all key to giving the front players and fullbacks licence to go forward and create and score.
I have said on here several times a player like Rice could make a huge difference to the CB behind him and the defence in general.
We will be playing against teams who will counter attack us on a regular basis and likewise teams that will focus on our weakness at set pieces.
I don't see much changing unless Kante is deployed in more of a, defensive role.
This season will be a defining one for the management team so let's hope they are up to the challenge.