The above gives a pretty good indication that Matic had himself a very nice day. After a dodgy opening five-ten minutes, he was one of the best players on the pitch. He was aggressive with his tackling and positioning*, and his aerial ability was shown off repeatedly whenever Stoke launched long punts forward from the back. Granted, Matic couldn't win all of his battles against Peter Crouch, but he did enough to slow the Potters down, and at one point even turned an aerial duel into a serious scoring chance.

*One of the things the video doesn't show is his awareness of space and ability to deny the opposition key areas, which the full match tape demonstrates very well.

That last bit is what differentiates Matic from John Obi Mikel. Both are positionally intelligent, strong, good in the air and know how to recycle the ball, but when Matic wins possession or receives a pass from a defender his priority seems to be to find an attacking option rather than to retain the ball at all costs. While Mikel shields, Matic turns.

That's good and bad. Matic is definitely going to lose possession more often than his Nigerian counterpart, who is sometimes (I'm thinking the 2012 Champions League final in particular) the only Chelsea player who looks like he cares about not giving the ball away. But at the same time, Mikel simply cannot move the ball at speed on the transition -- he's a fine passer, but he's also a mechanical one, ensuring that the ball is secured and the opposition removed from the play before trying to hit forward passes.

Against Stoke, Matic rarely let himself be forced backwards. Granted, that could be because Stoke weren't really trying to press, and if they did his immediate opponent was Stephen Ireland, so this might not be a guide to how he'll operate against stronger teams, but the point still stands -- Matic was always looking to move the ball quickly to the attacking trident.

On Sunday, Matic demonstrated that he had the discipline and the defensive ability to be a first-choice starter in the holding role for Chelsea, but his style of play also indicates that he could be an important cog in the attack as well. He'll certainly face stronger teams than Stoke, but as far as first impressions go, it's difficult to see how he could have done much better.

 

 

http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2014/1/27/5350422/nemanja-matic-highlights-stoke-city

 

 

The above gives a pretty good indication that Matic had himself a very nice day. After a dodgy opening five-ten minutes, he was one of the best players on the pitch. He was aggressive with his tackling and positioning*, and his aerial ability was shown off repeatedly whenever Stoke launched long punts forward from the back. Granted, Matic couldn't win all of his battles against Peter Crouch, but he did enough to slow the Potters down, and at one point even turned an aerial duel into a serious scoring chance.

*One of the things the video doesn't show is his awareness of space and ability to deny the opposition key areas, which the full match tape demonstrates very well.

That last bit is what differentiates Matic from John Obi Mikel. Both are positionally intelligent, strong, good in the air and know how to recycle the ball, but when Matic wins possession or receives a pass from a defender his priority seems to be to find an attacking option rather than to retain the ball at all costs. While Mikel shields, Matic turns.

That's good and bad. Matic is definitely going to lose possession more often than his Nigerian counterpart, who is sometimes (I'm thinking the 2012 Champions League final in particular) the only Chelsea player who looks like he cares about not giving the ball away. But at the same time, Mikel simply cannot move the ball at speed on the transition -- he's a fine passer, but he's also a mechanical one, ensuring that the ball is secured and the opposition removed from the play before trying to hit forward passes.

Against Stoke, Matic rarely let himself be forced backwards. Granted, that could be because Stoke weren't really trying to press, and if they did his immediate opponent was Stephen Ireland, so this might not be a guide to how he'll operate against stronger teams, but the point still stands -- Matic was always looking to move the ball quickly to the attacking trident.

On Sunday, Matic demonstrated that he had the discipline and the defensive ability to be a first-choice starter in the holding role for Chelsea, but his style of play also indicates that he could be an important cog in the attack as well. He'll certainly face stronger teams than Stoke, but as far as first impressions go, it's difficult to see how he could have done much better.

 

 

http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2014/1/27/5350422/nemanja-matic-highlights-stoke-city

 

Looks awesome. Love how he takes the ball forward and his first touch always takes him into space. Our midfield really has been missing this. I love Mikel and he brings stability but he's not suited to a 4231 at all. Our formation really looks like it can succeed now!

Overhit 2 or 3 passes but I guess he's still getting used to playing with new teammates and his chemistry with them, and knowledge of their abilities will improve with time.

 

Overall a very solid debut and I expect he's going to be a key factor if we do lift the title come May.

Branislav Ivanovic praised his compatriot Nemanja Matic after the midfielder made his full Chelsea debut in Sunday's FA Cup win over Stoke City.

 

Matic returned to Stamford Bridge earlier this month, signing from Benfica following an impressive two-and-a-half-year spell with the Portuguese side.

 

Having come on as a substitute during our 3-1 win against Manchester United last week, the Serbian played the full 90 minutes as we secured our place in the fifth round of the FA Cup, and Ivanovic was delighted to see his friend return to west London.

 

'Nemanja played very well, he can still improve a lot but he's new,' said the Blues right-back.

 

'He's the one who's leading the game, he asks for the ball, goes forward and defensively he's improved a lot.

 

'He can be very important for us, he's signed for five years so his future is here and step by step he will become one of the most important players.

 

'He was my best mate the last time he was here so, for me, it's like having my brother back. We do a lot of things together, it's very nice to have him here and it's much easier for me as well.

 

'He's now a proper player, he's come back after three years in Portugal where the people loved him there and he played very well, so he has more confidence and a different attitude.

'When I saw him when he came back he was bigger and stronger, but that comes with playing regularly and having the confidence and motivation to improve. We have a lot of players who can play in that position and they are all different, it's the manager's job to choose the right one for the right game.'

 

Meanwhile, with the signing of Mohamed Salah from Basel now complete, Ivanovic, having played against the Egyptian on a number of occasions, offered his thoughts on our latest acquisition.

 

'In the last two years we've played against him four times, he's a great player who is very quick going forward with the ball and he's the type of player we need to improve our team.

 

'He's young and it's probably a good step for him to move forward. He was very good against us, he's very smart with his movements.'

 

 

link

Great words from Brana. Love that man.

 

Ramires and Matic are the right combination. Matic and Mikel are the same type of players, except one is good and the other one is average, at best.

That's harsh, Matic will become better than average once he aclimatises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Difficult to judge him properly on Sunday against a Stoke side who offered so little threat. Still, he showed a nice touch and some good passing. Sterner tests ahead for him.

I thought he played very well for a first start. He slowly started to impose himself on the match and in one play he stripped a stoke player so effortlessly, causing a counter attack. Mikel was a decent player, nothing special but I will say he did give his all and I appreciate his efforts. Matic looks class and I think it will shine through as he becomes more familiar with withe squad.

 

My Portuguese friend(Benfica supporter) seems to think he is the best in his position and that he was their best player. I don't know if I agree yet but he has watched him far more than I have. Hope he is right in the end.

Edited January 28, 201412 yr by Mazacar84

 

Matic vs Stoke. I know its been posted already but this one is better quality

 

Matic vs Stoke. I know its been posted already but this one is better quality

Fantastic game from him. He and Luiz could be brilliant together.

 

Big fan of Mikel, and would rather we kept him than lost him.

Edited January 28, 201412 yr by 1905.

MATIC: BIG MOTIVATION

Posted on: Wed 29 Jan 2014

 

Nemanja Matic is quickly settling back into life as a Chelsea player following his arrival from Benfica earlier this month, and the Serbian is looking forward to tonight's London derby against West Ham United, where the Blues will be looking to record an eighth consecutive victory in all competitions.

 

Having featured as a late substitute during our 3-1 win over Manchester United 10 days ago, the midfielder was handed a start, his first for the club, in Sunday's FA Cup victory over Stoke City.

 

Deployed alongside Frank Lampard as one of the two deep-lying midfielders, Matic produced an assured, confident display, catching the eye with his composure on the ball and intelligent distribution.

 

'I think we played a good game, I played my first 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge so of course I'm very happy about that, but the most important thing was to win the game,' he tells the official Chelsea website.

 

'I tried to do my best and my team-mates helped me a lot during the match, but I felt very comfortable on the pitch so I was pleased.

 

'This already feels like home to me. I know most of the players here so maybe that's helped me, and I feel confident because the manager showed his faith in me by playing me for the full game against Stoke.'

 

Matic, whose main responsibilities are to help break up opposition attacks and ensure possession is won back as soon as it's been surrendered, produced a couple of passes in the final third during Sunday's match which suggest he could also have a positive impact higher up the pitch.

 

'I always try to push the team forward,' he says. 'If I have to pass backwards of course I'll do that but, for me, the first objective when I get the ball is to play forward.

 

'With my former coach [Jorge Jesus], and now Mourinho, they have both asked me to try to play good football and to not be scared when I have possession, so I want to use their advice.

 

'Defensive midfielders are very important in terms of providing balance. You always need to be positioned in between the defence and attack. Also, if a team like to play on the counter it's a role where you have to get on the ball early and help the team break.'

 

Jose Mourinho's side approach tonight's game in a rich vein of form, unbeaten since exiting the Capital One Cup midway through December and having conceded just one goal this month.

 

West Ham, who are struggling at the wrong end of the table, are equally in need of the three points, but with local pride at stake Matic certainly isn't looking for any extra incentive.

 

'I like playing in derbies,' says the Serbian. 'For me, playing against a local rival is a big motivation to win and I'm really looking forward to the game.

 

'The Premier League is very fast and has some of the best players in the world so you have to be focused and concentrate for 90 minutes if you are to be successful.'

 

Away from the field of play, Matic is gradually finding his feet back in the capital, with one team-mate in particular playing a pivotal role in enabling him to settle.

 

'It's a nice city. During my first spell here I was alone but this time I have my wife with me and my son, who is three,' he explains. 'My wife is pregnant at the moment so in three months' time we will have another baby, a girl.

 

'Branislav Ivanovic is a top man and his family are good people. When I first arrived he opened the doors of his house to me so I'm very grateful. I really like him and it's very important to have somebody that can help you when you need something.

 

'We live about 15 minutes away from each other, my wife and his wife are good friends so I'm very happy about that as it's a big help for her.'

 

Edited January 29, 201412 yr by Charles Ryder

MATIC: BIG MOTIVATION

Posted on: Wed 29 Jan 2014

Nemanja Matic is quickly settling back into life as a Chelsea player following his arrival from Benfica earlier this month, and the Serbian is looking forward to tonight's London derby against West Ham United, where the Blues will be looking to record an eighth consecutive victory in all competitions.

Having featured as a late substitute during our 3-1 win over Manchester United 10 days ago, the midfielder was handed a start, his first for the club, in Sunday's FA Cup victory over Stoke City.

Deployed alongside Frank Lampard as one of the two deep-lying midfielders, Matic produced an assured, confident display, catching the eye with his composure on the ball and intelligent distribution.

'I think we played a good game, I played my first 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge so of course I'm very happy about that, but the most important thing was to win the game,' he tells the official Chelsea website.

'I tried to do my best and my team-mates helped me a lot during the match, but I felt very comfortable on the pitch so I was pleased.

'This already feels like home to me. I know most of the players here so maybe that's helped me, and I feel confident because the manager showed his faith in me by playing me for the full game against Stoke.'

Matic, whose main responsibilities are to help break up opposition attacks and ensure possession is won back as soon as it's been surrendered, produced a couple of passes in the final third during Sunday's match which suggest he could also have a positive impact higher up the pitch.

'I always try to push the team forward,' he says. 'If I have to pass backwards of course I'll do that but, for me, the first objective when I get the ball is to play forward.

'With my former coach [Jorge Jesus], and now Mourinho, they have both asked me to try to play good football and to not be scared when I have possession, so I want to use their advice.

'Defensive midfielders are very important in terms of providing balance. You always need to be positioned in between the defence and attack. Also, if a team like to play on the counter it's a role where you have to get on the ball early and help the team break.'

Jose Mourinho's side approach tonight's game in a rich vein of form, unbeaten since exiting the Capital One Cup midway through December and having conceded just one goal this month.

West Ham, who are struggling at the wrong end of the table, are equally in need of the three points, but with local pride at stake Matic certainly isn't looking for any extra incentive.

'I like playing in derbies,' says the Serbian. 'For me, playing against a local rival is a big motivation to win and I'm really looking forward to the game.

'The Premier League is very fast and has some of the best players in the world so you have to be focused and concentrate for 90 minutes if you are to be successful.'

Away from the field of play, Matic is gradually finding his feet back in the capital, with one team-mate in particular playing a pivotal role in enabling him to settle.

'It's a nice city. During my first spell here I was alone but this time I have my wife with me and my son, who is three,' he explains. 'My wife is pregnant at the moment so in three months' time we will have another baby, a girl.

'Branislav Ivanovic is a top man and his family are good people. When I first arrived he opened the doors of his house to me so I'm very grateful. I really like him and it's very important to have somebody that can help you when you need something.

'We live about 15 minutes away from each other, my wife and his wife are good friends so I'm very happy about that as it's a big help for her.'

Nice

good old Brana!

Yisss welcome to Loondoon, you want to come to ma houuuse, yiiisss

Love Brana..  think I'm gonna like Matic very much too..

 

 

 

Love Brana..  think I'm gonna like Matic very much too..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Portuguese Eva Carneiro?...

Edited January 29, 201412 yr by Charles Ryder

Thought he was quality against Stoke.

Wasn't so good today, but to be fair we were playing against a team with 9 players on the edge of the box, I don't think playing intricate little touches around 6 or 7 defenders is really his game, so can't criticize.

I really hope Matic starts against City.  I recently saw his work against Barcelona and he really did a number on their midfield.  A similar performance would really help us break up City's passing game.  

So, so, so good today. One of our two missing links is well and truly here.

Edited February 3, 201412 yr by Kentonio

Yeah, he was a beast tonight. I like the partnership of Luiz and Matic. I wouldn't mind seeing that partnership a bit more often in the future. 

He's a bit good huh?

When you shut down Manchester City, when they're at home, for 93 minutes, you know you're f**king good.

 

Shaping up to be a fantastic signing.

Or re-signing in this case.

Toure has been bullying our midfield for years.  We just bought a bigger bully.

He was sooo good tonight!!!