It takes more than ability to win titles in England. In fact, two letters more. Roman Abramovich needs to find stability – something big money can’t necessarily buy.
Chelsea’s squad is balanced as a whole. They have an attacking defender in David Luiz, a true defender in Terry, and Cahill who can mix and match. They have Oscar, Hazard, and Mata pulling the strings with the likes of Mikel, and Ramires in the engine room.
Team balance isn’t enough, because the Premier League is that of the total footballer, not Total Football. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Swansea have their combination of Tiki-Taka and Total Football. They are exiting, but whether it will even lead to a title challenge is dubious at best.
Mourinho brought the 4-3-3 formation to the Bridge when he arrived, but it wasn’t possession and passing that won them trophies. Ballack, Essien, Drogba, and Makélélé all had defensive qualities. They not only scored but also could dig their heels in and defend when it mattered.
Look at the individual balance of United players who won the Premier League in 2011. Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, and Valencia don’t appear out of place, whether defending the flanks or celebrating after a clinical finish. It was the same case with the Tevez, Milner, and Yaya Toure types at City last year.
Chelsea needs a coach to come in and recognise this. They need Oscar, Hazard, and Mata practising with the defenders, while Mikel and Ramirez are running attacking drills. If they aren’t up for it, then buy players who are.
Everton’s Marouane Fellaini can defend, and has 11 goals already this season, making him the perfect fit for Chelsea’s midfield. The issue will be the fee to get him, with numbers well over £20 million being thrown around.
Another summer target should be Paulinho of Brazil. He is another box-to-box midfielder who really is a complete package.
Chelsea will also take another look at Beñat Etxebarria of Real Betis. The Alonso-esc midfielder has a bit of everything, but there is room for improvement defensively.
Written by guest author Greg Newcombe.