Chelsea: From bargaining chip to midfield cornerstone

Article by Robert Wake

A look at Chelsea’s new (old) boy Nemanja Matic.

When Nemanja Matic left Chelsea three years ago as a makeweight in the deal that bought David Luiz to Stamford Bridge nobody even raised an eyebrow. Matic had only made three brief substitute appearances, and physically seemed ill-equipped for the rigours of the Premiership.

Follow e-Chelsea on Twitter here!

Three years on, and Matic is the man that Jose Mourinho has decided he needs to add muscle and composure to Chelsea’s double pivot. Matic has grown physically to match his growing reputation, standing an impressive 6ft 4 inches. Quite simply, the towering Serb is a typical Mourinho player; strong in the tackle, composed in possession and a tireless worker in the middle of the pitch. Matic also possesses a good range of passing, a powerful left foot and aerial ability. He possibly lacks a yard of pace, but makes up for this with great positional awareness which enable him to make timely interceptions to launch counter attacks, another trait that will certainly appeal to Mourinho.

Matic back at Stamford Bridge

So, assuming Chelsea haven’t forked out over £20 million for a bench-warmer, which players in the current squad are under most threat? The answer is pretty much all the central midfielders currently at the club. Michael Essien’s best days are behind him, and he may now be allowed to leave in this transfer window should a suitable offer come in. Frank Lampard turns 36 in the summer, and though still a capable performer, he is no longer a guaranteed starter. Jon Mikel Obi is probably the nearest in playing style to Matic, but will surely be behind the Serb in the pecking order. For this season at least, It seems likely that Ramires will partner Matic in the centre for most games, but it is also conceivable that Lampard could be utilised in a 3-man midfield for certain games. Looking further ahead to next season, Chelsea should be able to call on the services of young Dutch prospect Marco Van Ginkel, as well as promising youngsters, Nathan Ake, Lewis Baker, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, John Swift and Nathaniel Chalobah. For now though, don’t be surprised to see Matic line up against Manchester United on Sunday, as the giant Serb looks to begin his Chelsea career in earnest.

© e-Football 2013 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football