The Untouchables

Article by Chelsea Correspondent Lee Beevor

Having presided over the Chelsea squad for four months, Jose Mourinho has examined and assessed each player in his usual meticulous fashion. I believe there are strong indications that the sifting process has been completed and that he has decided upon his preferred starting eleven. Of course he will not vocalise their identities, as to do so would de-motivate those outside this elite group and possibly result in complacency within it. Nevertheless, his selections are beginning to form a pattern, with even the more problematic positions sorting themselves out.

A major contributory factor in his success in 2004/05 was his ability to manage the squad. Players such as Geremi, Smertin and Kezman remained involved and upbeat, receiving enough minutes to stay positive and play their part when required. This has been a constant in his managerial career ever since, his turbulent last few months in Madrid apart. The season is long and Chelsea will hope to be involved in all competitions until the very end, necessitating a strong group ethic, as all will be required at some stage.

However, historically all successful teams have a consistent core of players who start the majority of their matches, the so-called untouchables. Mourinho’s selections suggest he has decided upon seven such individuals: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Ramires, Lampard, Oscar and Hazard. These trusted soldiers form the spine of the side, around which others can be rotated. Aside from this magnificent seven, but most definitely first choice, are Cahill and Torres. Both have forged ahead of their respective competition, albeit their places are a little more fragile than the aforementioned.

This leaves just two places to be filled, at left back and right midfield. At present, the right footed Azpilicueta holds the former position, having performed well whilst Cole recovered from injury. When he proves his fitness, perhaps in the Capital Cup, there is a reasonable chance he will regain his first choice status.

The midfield is much more complicated and competitive. I see Mourinho’s formation as more a 4-2-3-1 than a 4-3-3, much the same as how he operated at Real Madrid. Ramires and Lampard sit in front of the defence, with Mikel an able deputy when Frank needs a rest. Oscar owns the number ten role and Hazard the left, leaving the right hand attacking berth vacant. 99% of Chelsea fans would elect to pick Mata, but to date he has yet to convince Mourinho of his value. Both Schurrle and Willian are quicker than Mata and are more inclined to track up and down the pitch than the Spanish maestro. Despite this, neither possesses the magic present in Mata’s boots and I only hope that he nails down this last place in the team sooner rather than later.

In conclusion and allowing for injuries and suspensions, I believe Mourinho’s preferred selection consists of: Cech, Cole or Azpilicueta, JT, Cahill, Ivanovic, Lampard, Ramires, Hazard, Oscar, Mata and Torres.

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