Chelsea Best Formation 09/10

ZolaThis is for a computer game, I take it?

On real life, there's no chance that you expect Ashley Cole to perform central defending duties. Ballack would not last for long on the flank, and Joe Cole is not bright while defending.

18.08.2009

RayThat's your opinion, I think..

1)Ashley Cole could perform quite well with his speed in a tight 3 man Defense line. We also have Ivanovic, Bosingwa, and Cavalho to choose from.
2)Ballack and Joe Cole would be expected to run their hearts out, even if Ballack's role would be more defensive and Joe Cole would be more to bring the ball up and create.
3)This is why this formation works better than having an extra defender there like Bosingwa. Because with a 4 deep line, you tire out your LB and RB wingers who now have the responsibility to mark their men such as C. Ronaldo and Eto'o, but also run up and down the field to support the offense such as R. Carlos and Cafu made popular in the modern game. However, when you look at this team, we have quality on the beach in the Midfield such as Malouda, Zhirkov, and Belletti, so therefore the mids would be expected to be subbed in each game, Essien could also be subbed for Deco.

18.08.2009

ZolaOf course, it's my opinion and I have my reasons :)

So, to play on a flank, up and down, you need to have explosive speed. Does Ballack have that? Simply, no. I am sure he will do his best if given the role. But how old is he now? 33. How many games can he last busting his gut off on that flank at that age? I doubt he'd pull a ham string after a couple of games.

As for Ashley Cole being used as a central defender, he has neither the height nor the tactical dicipline. I'd rather have 3 tall defenders when it's obvious that the opponent will throw more crosses to our box than usual.

19.08.2009

Robert O'CarlosCarvalho where you have Ashley Cole.
Ashley Cole where you have Joe Cole.
Joe Cole where you have Ballack.
Then you might have something.

Ballack and Ashley Cole would be total liabilities where you have them, a la Zola's comments. And personally I'd rather see Lamps coming through from deeper, possibly resembling a 3-2-3-2 or even 3-1-4-2.

19.08.2009

Chelsea Best Formation 09/10

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