Conte’s Defensive Dilemma at Chelsea
Antonio Conte may have had a comfortable start to life in London but problems have soon risen in his Chelsea side. The biggest questions asked have been about the defense. Looking into the issues Chelsea’s defense faces, it will be interesting to see what solutions Conte can come up with.
Ageing defenders
After a calamitous last season, it’s odd to see no changes been made in the defense. Gary Cahill (30) and John Terry (35) may have been an excellent partnership but both are past their primes. The former through his lack of form and consistency, while the latter due to his age. However, Terry is still one of the best defenders that Chelsea has in its armoury and his leadership skills are beyond question.
Branislav Ivanovic (32), who was arguably one of the best right back in the league between 2009-10 to 2014-15. However has been, maybe, a big issue in the Chelsea back-line this campaign. Slow, vulnerable and quite frankly seems unable to cope with the Premier League attackers at the moment.
Though Cesar Azpilicueta is a viable option to replace Ivanovic on the right, but that is not likely to help Conte’s long-term plans and field his preferred 3-5-2 formation.
The David Luiz conundrum
David Luiz’s very mention brings to thought Brazil’s 7-1 humiliation to Germany. Kamikaze is probably the most apt word to describe David Luiz as a center half. No doubt he has the technical ability to find passes, initiate attacks and possibly chip in with a stunning long-range strike. But, is that expected from such an experienced center back during such crisis? Perhaps, not.
Maybe when paired with a leader like John Terry, the Brazilian’s tendency to wander might be restricted and put to use carefully but he would still remain a weak link in defense. Another possibility is him playing as a defensive midfielder but again with Nemanja Matic and Ngolo Kante, is Luiz really good enough? Probably, not. It leads to the question about where he fits in.. and how can his skills and technique be used to the optimum by the manager.
The three-man defense
When Conte came in, everyone expected the Italian to implement his prized three-man defense at the earliest. That has not happened yet, at least not in its full strength. As the Italian has opted to field a four man defense possibly for the comfort of his players. Surely though it is only a matter of time before three center halves and two wing-backs become a regular feature at Chelsea.
Then again, rises the question of quality.
Kurt Zouma is an excellent young player and would fit in well, but Conte would have to be careful with him as he makes his return after a long lay-over. While, Terry has the experience to command his players and lead them with high spirits, Cahill and Luiz tend remain huge question marks. It could further result in Cesar Azpilicueta taking up the right wing-back role and Marcos Alonso as left wing-back.
Antonio Conte did show glimpse of his prized three-man defense after conceding three against Arsenal. A similar defensive line featured in their fixture against Hull, which did work in their favour. But, a win over Hull cannot be used to prove the solidity of the formation just as yet.
Investment required
A lack of defensive depth and quality is another aspect Conte has to think over. At Juventus, Conte had top center halves in Bonucci, Barzagli and Chiellini to work with.
Clearly, Chelsea have a lot to work on in the defensive department and reinforcements seem a must. It is vital however that Chelsea bring in a top center back. Rumors of a bid for Koulibaly rejected show intent from the Blues. No doubt Roman Abramovich will be looking to splash the cash on maybe someone proven under the former Juventus manager. While, Conte could also look to the youth system to unearth talent.
The minimum need for Chelsea should be a top center back and a back-up right back in the January window.