Thought it might be interesting to start a thread discussing the strengths of the players in the squad.

 

Basically, pick a position in the squad (LB, DM, ST etc), and have your say on the players associated with that position, and any changes you would make regarding that position.

 

To get the ball rolling, I'll start off with Right Back:

 

There's really only two players in the squad I'd associate with RB, however I do think Luiz could step into that role comfortably if ever needed.

 

Cesar Azpilicueta - I've been really impressed with his first season so far, an excellent start to his Chelsea career. Defensively I think he's been quite solid, perhaps at times a little too keen to commit to challenges, but he is still young and composure and experience tend to go together. Aerially he isn't the strongest, but he will always challenge and put players off, very similar to Cole in that respect. Going forward I think he's proved to be a threat, really stretching the opposition defences, and almost playing as a right winger in some attacks.  He has a real drive to get forward, his pace and crossing have been a real asset in some games. Play him with Mata on the right hand side, and he allows Mata to cut inside by dragging left backs with him. Play him with Moses, and the pace of that pair up the line usually means numerous crossing opportunities.

 

We’ve got a real quality right back in Azpilicueta, who will only get better with experience, and I hope he makes that position his own for the future.

 

Branislav Ivanovic – In my opinion, he’s our strongest central defender at the moment (although that should maybe be in a dedicated CB discussion!). However he’s proved to be more than capable playing at right back. Possesses all the strengths you’d usually associate with a quality centre back, so defensively he’s usually sound at right back. Looking for arguable weaknesses in his defensive play I think he can come undone against quicker wingers driving at him, as he won’t be marking as tight as he would mark a striker. Occasionally gets caught too far forward, and I still don’t consider it a ‘natural’ position for him.

 

He’s a solid option in this position, arguably a better choice at the moment in a more defensive setup than Azpilicueta, but (for me) he should be a first choice centre-back before anything else.

 

Transfer Window – I wouldn’t say we need any movement in this position, I can't think of anyone I'd consider a realistic improvement, and I’d be very disappointed if we let any of the three I’ve mentioned (Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz) go in the Summer.

 

Any thoughts on right back? Or another position?

 

Paulo Ferreira is more than able to provide cover. He is positionally sound and while he was never the most physical of players he is slower than he used to be. That said his intelligence and ability to read the game can cover for that, Paulo is a real class act and is the long-time holder of the post-Duff 'best crosser in the squad' award.

Paulo Ferreira is more than able to provide cover. He is positionally sound and while he was never the most physical of players he is slower than he used to be. That said his intelligence and ability to read the game can cover for that, Paulo is a real class act and is the long-time holder of the post-Duff 'best crosser in the squad' award.

 

I don't see Ferreira as a good choice at RB any more. I agree he's an intelligent player, his positional play has always been good, and his crossing has always been quality. I just don't feel he's physically up to the standard we need any more, and I've always felt his close control under pressure has been a major weakness.

 

He has been one of our greatest squad players in recent years, but intelligence and experience isn't enough.

 

I think any opposition would target him in games, and I'd personally be more confident in the likes of Luiz or even Ramires in that role should Ivanovic and Azpilicueta be unavailable.

Left-back:

 

 

Ashley Cole is still the best left back in the world IMO but, unlike a lot of our supporters, i don't rate Ryan Bertrand.

Left-back:

 

 

Ashley Cole is still the best left back in the world IMO but, unlike a lot of our supporters, i don't rate Ryan Bertrand.

 

I agree. Cole is still world class and is currently playing brilliantly. I don't think Bertrand will be the long term replacement. He's good as a back up but I don't think he's good enough to be first choice. I wouldn't mind bringing in Shaw and rotating the two for a couple of seasons to see if either can step up a few levels. But to be fair I'm uninformed when it comes to quality/promising left backs we could be looking at. 

 

We're short up front obviously. I'd like to see us with 3 strikers next season. A new signing (Cavani/Falcao/Lewandowski), Lukaku and Ba. Thats a quality bunch of strikers that will allow us to challenge on all fronts and adapt to all opposition. 

 

With KDB and Chalobah returning I'm happy with our options in the defensive midfield positions. If I was in charge I'd have Mikel/Chalobah/Ramires/KDB/Lampard. We now know Luiz can do a good job there as well. I said before that I wouldn't be too bothered if Lampard got a contract or not, but now I'm thinking he is needed as good experience in tricky situations. Plus he still contributes offensively. He would only be back up though. 

 

So other than a new striker and left back, I'm happy with our options. 

 

EDIT - Apologies to the thread starter. I didn't realise you wanted us to pick just one position to analyse.

Edited March 17, 201312 yr by CunningStunt

Speaking of squad strentgh, Mata/Hazard/Oscar are awesome, then watch Moses, he's clearly a level below. Marin couldn't even get a game ( not entirely his fault), Yossi is no way near good enough, Betrand is out of position playing as attacking players.