Did Villas-Boas pick Chelsea's best team against Bolton?
Chelsea vs Bolton – Was that the best Chelsea FC side of the season? by Tushar
It came as a sigh of relief to all Chelsea fans. At last it feels great to taste a comfortable victory. And guess what the best part is? It was thoroughly deserved victory too. The team looked and played like a team after so long. But the notable thing was that there were some changes in the line up from the expected one. So this arises the question, is this the best CFC line up that AVB can field?
I feel it was. With the players we currently have, this was the best looking line up. The main strength came from the presence of ‘the bison’ Essien in the holding mid field role. He wasn’t to noticeable in the game I know. But it was his brilliant positional sense and slick passing that kept our midfield engine running. Frankie assisted him in the tackling aspect with some brilliant defensive tackles and positioning. Ramires carried on his usual job of running all over the park, though I was a lil bit disappointed with his performance ( poor passing at times and decision making ) But the midfield was balanced, with the passing of Lampsy, powerhouse of Essien and the energy of Ramires.
Though people may moan that we don’t have a built for the task right back, Ivanovic’s involvement and importance is quite priceless. His superb positional sense and precision tackling help Ashley Cole to wander up ahead with having three centre backs behind him. So in a way Ivanovic balances the usual Chelsea style.
I was also very pleased with the effort Didier Drogba took in. His clever turns and brilliant sense of passing was a joy to watch. He seemed more like the old Drogba, less bullyed the defenders though. Mata (apart from the assist) was missing for me. I still feel it is quite useless to employ him in the wings where his small size is exploited by the defenders. At the centre of the park as a attacking midfielder he can be THAT man who can beat a defender and feed the striker. Sturridge was quite lively forcing the keeper some good saves.
Lastly, to mention the centre backs, Gary and David were not the best of centre backs yesterday but showed promise and a future partnership between the two can be expected. I didn’t miss Petr Cech, but he had quite a calm day.
I still wish the formation could had been this way, with the same set of players:
………………………………Petr Cech
Brana Ivanovic…….Gary Cahill…………….David Luiz……Ashley Cole
………………………………M. Essien
…………Ramires…………………………….Frank Lampard
…………………………..Juan Mata
……………….Daniel Sturridge………Didier Drogba
With this Essien can give the defensive support. Juan can be the attacking midfielder and Danny will be happy with atlast given a chance to play centre forward. With ofcourse our captain getting in the team asap. An another team I can suggest after the return of JT would be:
………………….Petr Cech
David Luiz….Gary Cahill….John Terry….Ashley Cole
………………….R. Oriol
……..Essien………………….Ramires
….Juan Mata…………………..Frank Lampard
……………..Daniel Sturridge
Atleast I wish AVB could try this formation with the option of having Torres or Drogba in the place of Danny.
What do YOU think of these two set-ups?
……………………Petr Cech
Brana Ivanovic.. Gary Cahill .. John Terry ..Ashley Cole
…………..M. Essien ……… David Luiz
Ramires…………..Frank Lampard…………….Juan Mata
………………..Daniel Sturridge
SUB: F.Torres, D.Drogba, R.Oriol, S.Kalu, Bozinwa
using midfielders outwide? You must be kidding! Am sure AVb’s poor team selection wil be a lot better than yours cos you have proved to be such an awful coach if you turn one.
I agree..AVB did field probably the best team at this moment. BUT..wtf is up with the second line-up you suggested when JT is back..that won’t work!! It means there won’t be any width what so ever! And why would we want to play with 2 “holders” in Essien and Romeu?!! Anyway..I think Lamps, Essien and Ramires should play in the middle, with Drogba and Danny up front and Mata should be given more of a free role. Obviously with Cech in goal, Cole LB, JT in CB and the other 2 places in the back line can be filled with any 2 of Gary, Luiz or Ivan. But I do think we need some player changes..we should get a new RB, I’d prefer vd Wiel, Bosingwa can go..I do think Ferreira is a good squad player. We have great CB’s in JT,Luiz,Gary & Ivan. Cole is still good at LB and in about 2 years when he isn’t good enough anymore..Bertrand and v Aanholt will be there! Essien, Romeu, McEachren, Ramires, Meireles is good in midfield, I do think we need some reinforcements..maybe we should look at Moutinho and Hamsik! I think..keep Lamps! Mikel, Kalou, Malouda must leave, Mata is good, Danny is good, on wings but we need more..like Hazard and Navas, with de Bruyen in there we will have good depth. In front..I like Torres and Drogba but both should go..and imagine and front pair of Cavani and Falcoa!! With Lukaku in reserve! Just imagine that squad! Hope you all agree with me my fellow blue mates. Chelsea till I die!
A agree with Vince, that second line-up will not work. too open in the center of the pitch while not playing wide enough. better bet would be to play a diamond-4 midfield (like the first line-up) or a 4-3-3 with the central striker playing slightly behind the other 2. I think the best lineup for that would be:
………………………………Petr Cech
Ivanovic……Cahill………Terry/Luiz……Cole
………………………………Essien/Oriol
Ramires/Miereles…………………………Mata
…………………………………Lamps
………Sturridge…………………Drogba
cech
ivanovic cahill terry cole
essien
mata lampard
ramires danny torres.
This is the best line up