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Imbula - In the for Makalele Role

Zola
in Chelsea FC Rumours

Featured Replies

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/257445.html

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is keeping a firm eye on Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula, according to reports in the Sun.

Mourinho has sent staff to scout Imbula on numerous occasions, with the Frenchman thought to be valued around £18 million.

Premier League rivals Arsenal are also reportedly interested in securing the services of the 21-year-old, who was dropped from the France Under-21 squad last week after saying 'something 'inappropriate to a member of staff.

However, Mourinho is keen to bring in a holding midfielder not dissimilar to Claude Makelele, who became a lynchpin of his side during his first spell at Stamford Bridge.

Imbula joined Marseille from Guingamp last summer and has made 12 appearances for them this season.

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Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/257445.html#VVMcIHTQIArppOyY.99

 

However, Mourinho is keen to bring in a holding midfielder not dissimilar to Claude Makelele, who became a lynchpin of his side during his first spell at Stamford Bridge.

 

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the Makelele type player work best in 4-3-3 as apposed to 4-2-3-1 which is currently being favoured?

 

Half the reason I don't think Mikel is playing that often so far is because being "just" a defensive midfielder isn't enough for the current system, we need, if anything, a player with superb distribution from midfield.

 

Our own Alonso or Pirlo. 

 

No? 

I really want to see De Bruyne in that holding role, playing the creative passes. He has an amazing pass and great vision and is being underused. He also played in that position when loaned back to Genk instead of the wing. I really highly rate Kevin, a lot higher than most. I think his ability will become apparent as he matures as a footballer.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the Makelele type player work best in 4-3-3 as apposed to 4-2-3-1 which is currently being favoured?

 

Half the reason I don't think Mikel is playing that often so far is because being "just" a defensive midfielder isn't enough for the current system, we need, if anything, a player with superb distribution from midfield.

 

Our own Alonso or Pirlo. 

 

No? 

 

 

I agree and with the abundance of talent we have for the 3 available advanced positions in our midfield it really does make me wonder if it is worth trying Oscar in a deeper role.

 

He seems to have all the attributes required.

The problem is trying to emulate Makelele. He was essentially the inventor of the holding role, and there hasn't been a player like him since. He was a unique player. What we need is to have another player alongside ramires who can defend and distribute, since we don't have a player who can be a solo holding midfielder. That's why i wouldn't be averse to signing Alonso, even just for a year.

I agree and with the abundance of talent we have for the 3 available advanced positions in our midfield it really does make me wonder if it is worth trying Oscar in a deeper role.

 

He seems to have all the attributes required.

 

I made this argument myself on more than one occasion last season. He's dropped deeper before for us and not looked out of place but I really don't know if he would be okay with a permanent switch there or if Jose would ever do it having said that he is his preferred #10.

 

The idea of a midfield of:

 

      Ramires - Oscar

 

Schurrle - Mata - Hazard

 

To me looks an interesting one and would surely have the potential of being one of the most hard working midfield in the league but also be full of pace and creativity. If we weren't able to beat the likes of WBA at home with that line up we don't deserve to win the league. 

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the Makelele type player work best in 4-3-3 as apposed to 4-2-3-1 which is currently being favoured?

 

Half the reason I don't think Mikel is playing that often so far is because being "just" a defensive midfielder isn't enough for the current system, we need, if anything, a player with superb distribution from midfield.

 

Our own Alonso or Pirlo. 

 

No? 

 

defensively, mikel isnt even half the player maka was

 

i actually think maka would work fine in a midfield 2

 

defensively, mikel isnt even half the player maka was

 

i actually think maka would work fine in a midfield 2

 

 

But theoretically if Maka were still playing, he wouldn't be the type of player we would be looking for is he? 

 

The defensive side of the midfield isn't it's current problem, it's more that the distribution/transition speed to the attack isn't as good as it could/should be. 

I have to agree with ForeverCarefree, a Ramires-Maka midfield would be no more incisive or qualitatively better in possession than a Ramires-Mikel midfield.

 

 

Makelele's attacking contribution was exactly what made him the very best in the world in his position. His ability to hunt down an attacker, win possession and in seamless movement start our own attack made in invaluable. Ramires is too erratic in passing and cannot hold the ball; Mikel can hold the ball and pass, but is too conservative and lethargic. Makelele was better than both in defense and provided creativity and energy deep in midfield too. 

 

None of the names we have been linked with- Kondogbia, Imbula, Tiote, Fellaini whatever are perfect substitutions and in the light of that I'd have to say what benefit would we gain buying an outside player over promoting Nathaniel Chalobah from within?

Not really, Pogba is better as the more central, B2B than the defensive one. 

 

No idea about Imbula but he if he is the Pogba type then we should just go for Pogba. 

The problem is trying to emulate Makelele. He was essentially the inventor of the holding role, and there hasn't been a player like him since. He was a unique player. What we need is to have another player alongside ramires who can defend and distribute, since we don't have a player who can be a solo holding midfielder. That's why i wouldn't be averse to signing Alonso, even just for a year.

Luiz could fill that role IMO

 

Edited by jezza

Luiz doesn't really have the range of passing or discipline to sit alongside ramires and not charge forward

He certainly does have the passing range, but he also certainly doesnt have the discipline.

Not really, Pogba is better as the more central, B2B than the defensive one. 

 

No idea about Imbula but he if he is the Pogba type then we should just go for Pogba. 

 

Because i doubt Juve would sell Pogba,While Marseille would if they got a good offer for Imbula i would think anyway.

Because i doubt Juve would sell Pogba,While Marseille would if they got a good offer for Imbula i would think anyway.

 

Juve said theyd sell if there was a good offer

I disagree that luiz has the passing range. His long pass completion is very poor, we're looking for an accurate long range distributor. Now with a bit of work (ie not focusing on being a centre back and focusing on midfield in training) Luiz could probably grow into the role, but i just dont think he's the answer. 

Can we please just sign gundogan for 40 million and solve our midfield issue?

Luiz doesn't really have the range of passing or discipline to sit alongside ramires and not charge forward

 

His range of passing is probably his best attribute, what have you been watching?

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