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Chelsea heavy on firepower, but light on spark


By Mike Carre

Monday 15 August 2011

Chelsea’s opening day draw with Stoke offered a nice glimpse of the task awaiting Andre Villas-Boas as he looks to overturn Manchester United and claim the Premier League crown at the first time of asking.


The efficient and resilient side that Jose Mourinho created during his tenure is still there, but the side seem to lack the fluidity and creativity needed to really be considered the best in the country. Sunday’s game at the Britannia Stadium exposed the imbalance of the side and their need for fresh blood to give them that little bit extra. The squad is blessed with three top class strikers in Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka, but strikers need providers and that is currently where Chelsea are lacking.


In the 4-3-3 system Villas-Boas prefers, it means just one of the aforementioned strikers can start - unless one starts on the wing, but that is merely square pegs in round holes. The two who played on the wide berth’s on Sunday were Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou - both of whom endured quiet and altogether blunt afternoons. As the team’s primary providers, they mustered just 10 assists between them during the whole of the last Premier League season (five each), which isn’t particularly impressive. Especially when considering Manchester United’s two wide-men who featured at West Brom yesterday contributed 29 league assists between them - with Ashley Young’s 11 contributions coming with former club Aston Villa.


Kalou has never showed he has enough to cement a place in a title-winning side, while Malouda, who had a fantastic season in 2009/10, and started last season very well, has tailed off somewhat since the turn of the year and hasn’t looked the dynamic, threatening winger he was during the first half of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign. There are other options available to Villas-Boas in Daniel Sturridge and Yossi Benayoun, but neither possess the genuine wing play of a Nani or Young.


What’s more, Chelsea rely on their width, with their midfield geared more towards dynamism than creativity. Frank Lampard is the most creative of their midfielders, yet he laid on just four assists last term - albeit in an injury hit campaign. The midfield trio of John Obi Mikel, Ramires and Lampard was tidy, but lacking any real spark, as Stoke comfortably defended their penalty area, despite Chelsea dominating possession in the second half.


If Chelsea are to win the Premier League this season, the evidence suggests they will need to add some inventiveness in attacking areas. The resilience they possess is a superb trait and they have firepower up front on top of that, but there is a piece missing somewhere along the way - Villas-Boas may need to dip into Roman Abramovich’s deep pockets to find a solution.


See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.

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6 Comments


By Paul Remi on 20 August 2011 at 21:19


Please, i also support the notion that Chelsea football club should sign a Non_Selfish players, please bring in Mata and let Drogba, Lampard, Malouda go out of that team, football has gone beyond just running about on the field, please, try and watch Barcelona FC play football, then you will know that football is very easy when you understand is not just about strength which the likes of Drogba, Lampard and Malouda are still using. Please try and sign either Mata or Modric for our dear TORRES, then you will see the true color in Torres. Thanks. Paul, a Chelsea fan.


By Kwame Bonnie on 16 August 2011 at 10:48


I have never written on a blog or any such, but my passion for Chelsea is currently being flamed with edginess as I question the lack of boldness to rid off players like Mauloda, Kaloe and a more reserved role for Lampard. There are so many competent and talented players out there, outside of the Modric's. The NEEDED addition of two attacking midfielders and a pacy, skillful winger with an eye for goal should have been secured by now. Mikel, Paulo Ferrera, Lampard, and Ramires or even Luiz, could always be utilized in an anchor role with the absence of Essien (probably only has 2 seasons remaining). I think Anelka , should humble himself and play a supporting role to the clubs strike force, he is predictable sometimes and is better off pushing for one last season with Chelsea to win some silverware. Drogba could play with Torres as a second striker in certain games , and could also be starter on other games depending on opposition. However if the club intend to be dominant they must build around a key play maker or two who could feed to any kind of striker and also carry the weight of the players when the need arises.


By Miki Djan on 15 August 2011 at 13:42


I agree... Chelsea needs a creative and selfless winger.... Malouda is very selfish, so is Lampard... and so the midfield also needs a smart and creative player.... i think McEachran should be tried cos of his foresight...


By bernard websta on 15 August 2011 at 11:57


i think what Chelsea needs is a right winger and a creative attacking midfielder(nasri) to provide the necessary passes Fernando toress needs to score goals.


By Shanghai Cricket Club, (SCC) on 15 August 2011 at 09:26


Shanghai Cricket Club, (SCC) We are looking for Qualified Applicant who will be the Head Coach of the cricket club, which is an Out/Indoor club of about 2500 square meets, with more than 20 cricket simulators and other services. This is a One Year Contract, for the prospect of review and acceptance, INTERESTED PERSON Demonstrable leadership skills Energy, enthusiasm, initiative, flexibility/adaptability Ability and willingness to coach teams and squads overseas Submit cv/resume, cover letter, credentials, names and phone numbers of applicant, refrence for acceptance and consideration. ? 12 months contract, including a 3 months probation period, which will make us continue your contract in subsequent years ? An average flexible 15 hours per week work ? Salary $35,000,00 per annum ? Annual leave of 28 days plus public bank holidays If you feel that you can meet the challenge, please email your cv and cover letter to shanghaicricket@yahoo.cn


By phukao on 15 August 2011 at 09:13


Good article..kalou and malouda hasent play good football..they wants to score instead of giving a good pass to someone in a better position..in as much as its good to try and score..but on occasion..we need a winger who can deliver good crosses to the box like Ashley young and Valencia and as well score..malouda and kalou need to move on..boas act fast before its late


 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

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