24 Jul 2016 18:19:33
One thing that has really surprised me over the summer is the popularity among supporters of selling Nemanja Matic. I won't say that he had a good year last year, but I think his struggles were exacerbated by what he was being asked to do due to those around him. Cesc was awfully defensively and didn't cover much ground, while obi did nothing offensively and wouldn't cover ground. Then in the defense Terry has to be protected due to his lack of pace and at the beginning of the season I'm not sure ivanovic could've marked a parked car. All of these isolated issues contributed to leave Matic in a position where he would have to cover massive amounts of ground to cover for his midfield partner which would expose the defense. Having a player like Kante next to him will bring out the best in him and I truly think it's telling that so many elite level clubs have interest in him.
24 Jul 2016 19:33:27
Matic can just stay in front of the back four, what an asset Kante will be to him and Chelsea.
24 Jul 2016 20:54:28
Matic is not there mate. His football brain is in a coma. Watch how he plays now and not how he played two year ago. He is a shadow of the player.
24 Jul 2016 22:08:56
I agree with Byrrab. He isn't playing like himself. That being said I definitely don't want to see him leave.
24 Jul 2016 23:56:48
I think matic is a good player but wouldn't like to see us really defensive by playing him and Kante. Going on the two games we've had under conte I'm guessing we will be 4-4-2 without the ball and 4-2-4 with the ball so I'm not sure where matic would fit in there. Also if I'm correct we will have at least 8 players fighting for 2 positions. Personally I would sell matic so we can see at lot more of loftus cheek. Matic, Moses, MVG and cuadrado would generate at least £60m for players we can afford to let go.
25 Jul 2016 03:01:08
I truly think putting a player like Kante next to him will solve a ton of our issues. If we can manage to sort out our defense I think you will see the player who was running games in his first year and a half.
26 Jul 2016 09:42:08
We have a new manager in Conte that is recognized as being very astute tactically. Whilst we all seem to have a view on how some of our players will or will not fit into whatever system he chooses to play on any particular day maybe we should just have faith in him and wait and see what happens. I'm sure with his working with the squad now he will soon suss out who is buying in to his tactics and philosophy and who won't. I expect a few surprises and possibly a couple of notable failures, interesting times ahead! I'm actually feeling really excited about this coming season.