Amidst summer transfers and rumours of the former, one could say Chelsea have a midfield loaded with world class talent. The problem stemming from that is wages (alright, maybe it isn’t with Abramovich) and there is only so many starting spots. This situation of forcing to sit world class talent could cause outbursts by players; this act can be detrimental to a team, causing instability and unneeded media attention. With this all in mind, what should Chelsea do? Let’s examine the 3 S’.
First, let’s talk starters; the way I see it, Joe Cole, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack and Deco should all be starting (assuming there are 4 midfielders). Joe Cole is an underrated player – his work goes unnoticed – but he is so important to Chelsea. He provides an excellent surge forward and he is a very creative player on the wing; his defending skills aren’t quite up to where his attacking skills are, but he can still do a fair job. The incredible work rate of Michael Essien in the midfield is essential; he is a very effective box-to-box midfielder who can defend and attack to high degrees of skill. Sure he is a decent right back, but he needs to be played in the centre of the park, as he is so influential there. Ballack had an outstanding campaign for the Blues once he returned from injury, scoring several crucial goals and usually playing a very solid game; he capped it off with an outstanding performance with Germany in EURO 2008 which solidifies his spot in the starting eleven. New acquisition Deco has excellent vision and ball distribution; he maybe 30 but he proved at EURO 2008 he can still compete at a very high level; given the other starters, Deco would play attacking midfield. The thought of his creativity supplying strikers is tantalizing; and even better considering what was paid.
With these starters, I would play a 4-1-3-2 formation. Essien playing behind the other 3 midfielders, but being allowed to go forward. Deco would be in the middle of the 3 man section of the midfield flanked by Ballack and J. Cole.
Now, who should be kept on as substitutes. John Mikel Obi, like Essien, has a great work rate; Obi is a harder tackler though, and can help Chelsea win the 50/50 balls off the bench. Another season on the bench will hopefully allow him to calm down and get less cards; as the only problem with his tackles is that he can get a bit aggressive and take unnecessary cards.Shaun Wright-Phillips is a very pacy winger, but he lacks consistency in his crosses; worst yet he is a fairly poor finisher (I’m sure that some of us can remember the open nets he’s somehow missed). Another season might help him; and it may be worthwhile because of his incredible pace. Malouda is a more experienced option for a winger, but he lacks consistency in his overall play. He is a decent crosser of the ball and a decent finisher, but he doesn’t always show up to play; in several games he’s been missing in action. The reserve side will also offer young substitutes who should be given a chance; and we should not be surprised if one of these players (most likely Wright-Phillips) is sold to make way for a youngster.
On that note, who should be sold? My first choice is Lampard (as controversial as it may be). He was offered a 4-year contract by the club, but wants 5 years and declined the offer. It seems to me that if he really loves the club he’ll accept the contract (he could possibly extend the 4-year deal anyway), I don’t think that 1 extra year is that big of a deal. It’s not like he desperately needs the money. His silence over the situation is concerning as well; nothing has been said to the media directly by Lampard yet, it has all come from either the club or his agent. It makes me question how loyal he is. All that aside, Inter Milan really want Lampard; if Lampard isn’t willing to extend, sell him. That way Chelsea will get some money to essentially pay off the Deco transfer (as Inter’s offers have been in the area of what was paid for Deco) and will be off-loading a 30 year-old midfielder. This will help make room for younger talents. Coinciding with my other choice to sell, are rumours circulating that this man will be sent back to Paris-Saint Germain in France; anyone following the papers will know I’m talking about Makelele. He has served Chelsea faithfully but he is 35, the club needs to start to make room for younger players; and being the most senior member means he should be thanked for his service and sold.
There are currently other factors that could change the outlook of the midfield, such as the arrival of Robinho or Kaka (although at this time looking unlikely), players heavily linked with us. At this time, the above seems to be the most logical course of action to myself.
Nick Wojcik
