The Ripple Effect of the Central Defensive Midfielder

Why Chelsea need a Revamp

A contribution article by Mike Green

Why is having a defensive midfielder important to success in football? Simply, it’s the most important position on the football pitch. It is the core, that holds together the spine of the team. Without one, teams struggle both equally in attack and defense. With its absence felt, it is usually a direct source of shortcomings, somewhere within a domestic league season.  

It is imperative for this role to be recognised and appreciated for the importance it has for the progression and success of a team. It is about how the role is seen, appreciated and used within a team, as explained below.  

Setting the Foundation 

For the best part of half a decade, Chelsea have shown an inconsistency of domestic progress at the highest level, however this always hasn’t been the case. Let’s take the period between 2014-2017 as the most recent sample, when Nemanja Matić played as Chelsea’s primary defensive midfielder. Chelsea’s domestic consistency was at a much higher level compared to now.  Matić was a tall, strong, mobile player, who could most importantly read the game from a defensive standpoint to screen the backline – an extension of the defence itself. Matić enabled others to be the best versions of themselves. Just like his predecessors in the likes of Mikel and Makelele, he was able to provide a level of consistency to the other offensive players around him. Do we really think Fabregas would have been able to accumulate the amount of goal contributions he did without Matić partnering him? Creating a perfect ying-yang in the centre of our pitch, the two players complimented each other perfectly. Possessing attributes collectively, which gave our midfield the perfect foundation for our attacking players to thrive. Do not be mistaken however, these players were not terrible footballers even if their USP was defensive solidarity.  

Football is a high intensity, physically demanding sport and most importantly a game of space. There seems to be a false notion which I believe has stemmed from twitter and other online platforms, that runs with the narrative; having the ability as an ‘on the ball footballer’ is mutually exclusive from excellent ball winning and defence shielding capabilities – this is absolutely not the case. There also seems to be the faux pas idea; the only and correct form of defensive ability is to just simply ‘keep the ball’. While I would somewhat agree, this only helps add another string to the defensive bow and only tells half the story. There is a huge misconception around this whole idea as an ultimate. If players occupy the space (this applies from both an attacking standpoint and defensive), they help assert control. Fifty per cent of control in football is off ball work, having the physical and athletic capabilities described within the roster of the squad is a must in order to exploit this. At no point are players going to have 100% of the ball, all game. In the Premier League, players will often face moments of adversity and moments when players are ‘up against it’. Teams need players, specifically ones in this area of the pitch, that can handle this adversity. Currently, Chelsea do not possess the players that meet these requirements. Why do we think every time the opposition attack us via a counter, it’s all very last ditch with defenders making goal saving challenges? Our goalkeeper preventing a lead slip away with an acrobatic save? Now I don’t know about you, but this doesn’t exactly fill me with security or scream control. 

Returning to the last player Chelsea had to fit this description, here are some examples shown below of Matić’s abilities. Providing opportunities to other players, both on and off the ball:-  

Example 1: 

Matić for Chelsea, always ready to take risks especially in his passing. We see an example of this, here Matić is on the ball and has options he could pass to but instead of going for the safe pass he goes for a disguised pass. 

Matić goes for a line breaking pass which is then dummied, allowing Chelsea to then go on the attack 

As a result of Matić’s pass through the lines, Chelsea are able to go on the attack. If he had opted for a safer pass this attacking move may not have occurred. 

Example 2: 

Once again against Man City, we see Matić on the ball. 

Again, due to Matić’s confidence in his own ability to carry the ball without being shoved off it, he progresses the ball through both City players taking both out of the game 

Matić carrying the ball forces the City players to flock towards him, in an attempt to win the ball. This leaves space for Hazard to receive the ball off Matić, allowing him the space to run into and dribble. 

Example 3: 

Not only was Matić’s progressive capabilities amazing but his defensive abilities were just as good, here we see the position he takes up off the ball. He detects danger. 

Before the opposition player can even take two touches off the ball, Matić is already putting pressure on him in an attempt to occupy the space, that will make it easier to win the ball back. 

Unlike Jorginho, Matić has the ability to track his runner with the physical capabilities to match. A more astute tackler, he’s able to win his defensive battle against the player and come away with the ball without giving away a foul. Excellent protection. 

Example 4: 

Once again, another showing of Matić’s defensive capabilities; here, Chelsea are defending what could be a possible attack and once again his instinct for danger is brilliant. 

Before the opposition player has even had a touch of the ball, Matić is already on the move to intercept the pass. Once again by having the athleticism to cover and physically impose himself in the space. 

As such, by the time the player has his first touch of the ball, Matić is there to intercept the pass and wins the ball cleanly. 

A key part is what Matić does once he’s won the ball is instead of playing it sideways or backwards, like Jorginho likely would; he plays a pass forward, which springboards Chelsea to get back onto an attack quickly. Supported with numbers. With teammates knowing he is there to cover the space, at the risk of another turnover. 

This sort of player is invaluable, as they make all those around them better.  

The enabler: the battery to power others: the heart of the engine: the lynchpin.  

Even can be described as the rhythm section of the band whilst the lead instruments and vocals (the attacking, auxiliary players) are able to solo on top. A player like this, is an absolute must to provide the foundation to build from. Chelsea right now, as we have been for the past four to five years, are like a band without a bass player. No fundamental.  

It’s also important to note, this is irrespective of formation. Under Antonio Conte, Chelsea used a back three, showcasing the best pivot in the world at the time - Matić and Kanté. With Fabregas still in his prime, ready to provide a different option if needed, the one we had all grown so accustomed to when paired with Nemanja throughout our domestic dominant title win only a couple years before. It’s not just about formation, it’s about the team fitting together like cogs in a machine, to provide that key word: balance. What this does do is provide the option to change formation if so desired. Something Chelsea are not currently able to do successfully. 

Ultimately, football is a team sport. It’s easy to get entangled within the social media frenzy by the enthusiasm of individual attacking players to solve problems by themselves. A ‘shiny new toy’ is often the phrase used. Rather than concentrating on the requirement needed for the betterment and to elevate the the collective of the team. Let’s take Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United as an example; everyone was excited about him the first six months after he arrived, as he was an individual who would be the sole creative hub for his team. Once this individual was found out/worked out, the creativity dried up. When you rely on individual brilliance to be the main outlet for creativity within your team, you will always hit a ceiling. The best form of creativity comes from the collective. 

A common complaint from Chelsea fans is having no technical players in attack within the makeup of this squad. However, adding these players ultimately means nothing without a foundation already in place to support. Relying on individual talent may give fans some moments of brilliant play, a few more individual goals here and there, however they are just that – moments. This method is unsustainable to build consistency from over a 38-game league season and a big reason as to why Chelsea have ended up in the situations they find themselves in repeatedly, since our last title win. After all, the definition of winning a premier league title is consistency. The more sustainable approach is to build a balanced machine, with working cogs to fit, that will elevate the collective. By setting the foundations, it creates an environment of opportunity, for players to express and improve in their ability and confidence. All forward players in world football, rely and fuel on confidence. The way Chelsea are currently set-up, specifically with the collection of midfielders we have at present, does not allow for this to naturally flourish. Allowing this to happen, will not only improve the performance of players, but this will ultimately create a betterment for team performance. There are so many avenues and corridors we are not even exploring right now due to our limited options, shutting down the very notion of flexibility. Personally, I would rather bring in exciting attacking talent, once this foundation is in place, not having to worry about these factors to negatively impact the new arrival.  

Imperfect, Imbalanced Options 

Let’s look at the players we have that are used in the 6 or double 6 role by the manager. Jorginho, the only true recognisable six within the squad, is in short, not good enough to fulfill the requirement. Unfortunately, Jorginho has physical and athletic weaknesses, is a huge liability in transition and has inability to cover the space. Chelsea’s center backs are constantly exposed to 1v1s, due to the little to poor protection. Having to over rely on the center backs to ensure they win all these 1v1s, is unsustainable – the luck will run out, as it has already shown on many occasions. The amount of work others throughout the team have to do for him, due to his lack of mobility and strength is having a lasting effect. As discussed above one half of control is what a player does off the ball. For a defensive midfielder this blueprint is paramount. Players need to be able to read the game from a defensive standpoint, be athletic to cover the ground, win aerial and ground duels and be quick with horizontal movement to fill in the space when fullbacks, midfielders etc are moving forward in support.  

Chelsea’s current natural six, falls drastically short in all these areas, which has a ripple effect on the others throughout the team. Other players are restricted as the foundation is not provided for them to launch from. Jorginho, within this role, does not enable other players in the same way Matić did before him, as explained above. With this level of facilitation, one would have to be worth facilitating (especially at the level he requires). However, this again is not the case with Jorginho. Unlike Cesc Fabregas before him, he is unable to speed up and slow down the tempo at will, when on the ball. A very deceptive player, he gives the illusion of an ‘idea’, who can assert and present varying levels of tempo upon a game. However, in truth, as he has shown on multiple occasions (specifically in the Premier League) he is only able to play at one pace. That pace of course, is typically, very slow and sets us into a default mundane malaise, that every Chelsea fan has become accustomed to over the past circa 4 years. Especially, when playing at Stamford Bridge against a team we are expected and should be beating. This in itself creates so many issues for our attack. When the quicker, forward pass is on to a runner, Jorginho will often, take the easy, safer backwards or sideways ball, relying on his Centre backs to correctly distribute or drive into a forward player. Football is not linear, this very rigid way of playing will not suit every scenario, even within a single game. The Premier League is very turbulent, changing pace and intensity at will. When the intensity goes beyond something he can handle, Jorginho pretty much becomes a passenger. At the highest level, for anyone in this position, they cannot become a passenger as it invites pressure and costly consequences.  

A few examples below on situations where he struggles both on and off the ball:- 

Example 1: 

Chelsea are presented with a chance to counter, with Jorginho on the ball. 

Jorginho continues to carry the ball. Instead of making that pass to Ziyech who can initiate the next stage of the counter he opts to hold onto the ball. 

Him opting to carry and hold onto the ball rather than passing it, proves to be a mistake. By the time he does pass the ball, it’s wayward and too late. Ruining any opportunity to continue the counter. 

Example 2: 

Here again Jorginho's refusal to play the ball gets him into trouble, as he is surrounded by Madrid players. Instead of making the simple pass to Azpi, who could then pass the ball to safety he holds onto it, taking numerous touches before eventually being tackled allowing Madrid to counter. He is netiher strong enough or quick enough to fend off the challenges of the Madrid players. 

Madrid then go on the counter. as Benzema draws two Chelsea defenders away, with Silva scrambling to get back. Jorginho's lack of athleticism means he’s unable to catch up to close the space quickly. Leaving our defenders exposed to another case of last ditch 1v1s. 

Example 3: 

Following the setup from a Man Utd corner, Jorginho is the last man. Instead of just clearing the ball, he miscontrols it, allowing Utd to win the ball easily and enter a 1v1 with Mendy. Due to his lack of mobility, Jorginho is completely unable to make the recovery run. 

Example 4: 

In this situation, Brighton's (now Chelsea’s) Cucurella opts for a low driven cross. Kanté is unable to close him down. As we have a numerical advantage in the box, there is no reason for Jorginho to be standing where he is. He should be aware of the Brighton player hanging outside the box waiting for the cross and as Chelsea’s 6, he should have the defensive awareness to occupy the defensive space. 

Jorginho however, is unaware of this allowing the Brighton player to receive the ball, take a touch and strike at goal. If not for a wonderful save by Kepa, said shot would've deflected in. 

Example 5: 

From a throw in, Jorginho's defensive frailties and lack of athleticism is shown once again. Here, everyone has a man to mark. 

However, once the throw in is taken, Jorginho's man manages to turn him and take the ball into his stride. Due to his lack of athleticism and mobility, he in unable to catch up with his man. This leaves Kanté scrambling back to take the ball off the player. 

Kanté and Kovačić, are the other two players primarily deployed in Chelsea’s 6 or double 6 positions. Even though together this is still unbalanced (both are not natural sitters). Therefore, in order to achieve any form of balance, one has to be partnered with the supremely limited Jorginho. Both Kanté and Kovačić are now within the realms of what could be considered injury prone. Specifically, Kanté, who has played only circa 40% of games under this manager. Constantly rushed back from injury layoffs, as he is always overly relied on to provide some form of defensive awareness and athletic prowess in the midfield, as none of the others are adequately capable. The fact a large part of our season still rests on Kanté’s hamstrings, is the highest form of negligence. It’s entirely unsustainable. This is not something we have only just discovered, it has been evident now for a number of years. 

Then there’s Kovačić, who may not pick up as many knocks or frequent injuries as Kanté, but he usually has one or two longer layoffs combined with long recovery periods, where it takes him a while to reach back to his best. Even then, when he returns, he is not always the same player he may have been earlier in the season, some players are just like this after injury/time on the sidelines. This also raises the questions – why are Kovačić and Kanté are in recent years, so injury prone? Could it be influenced by the level of cover they have to provide to compensate on others glaring deficiencies? By simply providing either with the correct defensively resolute partner, would greatly reduce the burden, whilst also giving them each the opportunity to flourish and concentrate on their own designated, natural roles within the wider collective. 

We then move onto Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher. Two players who should under no circumstances be considered as having any part of a pivot. We are now getting into the territory of square pegs round holes. Again, it’s about balance and with the midfield roster we have, these two cannot be facilitated within a pivot without the correct defensive midfielder.  

Gallagher is a player best utilised as someone attacking the final third with late runs and freedom to enter the box. At Crystal Palace, his best football came from a right sided central midfield role as part of an asymmetrical three. With Cheikhou Kouyaté deployed as the ball winning 6, James McArthur used as the left sided 8, who would typically shuffle from side to side across the middle third and Gallagher on the right side, given the freedom to enter the attacking third, get into goal scoring positions and help initiate the press. At Chelsea, none of these key attributes will be harnessed, playing Gallagher as part of a pivot. Especially one that is unbalanced with the likes of Kovačić or Kanté to partner. Alternatively, to cover for the deficiencies of someone like Jorginho. Gallagher does not possess the required attributes or defensive awareness to cover the space which is so important as referenced previously. This also applies to RLC, a player who is at his best when moving with the ball into space up the pitch. Using him in the pivot, much like Gallagher, is limiting his best attributes and amplifying the ones that do not come naturally to him. This does not benefit the player and more importantly does not benefit Chelsea. Below are a few examples as we saw last season, when playing RLC in a pivot, is not the best use for him:- 

Example 1: 

RLC and Kante allow the Brentford player to run straight through them, neither taking accountability or showing the defensive awareness to mark him. 

This allows number 17 of Brentford to see the run, further allowing him to make the pass. 

The pass is then made, putting the Brentford player 1V1 with Mendy. Rudiger is unable to catch up nor put a tackle in as he would be risking a penalty. This leads to Brentford's third goal. All could have been avoided with proper midfield protection. 

Example 2:  

Here we see RLC once again struggling in this role not suited to his skillset. Due to his lack of defensive awareness to cover the space, a Wolves counter with. one ball over the top of our midfield, leaves our defenders in another 1v1 situation. 

Example 3: 

During the same match, a similar situation occurs. Two passes take Wolves from their box to the Chelsea defensive third, with acres of vacated space easy for them to exploit. This leaves Rudiger and James 3v2 with the rest struggling to catch up to provide the required cover. 

Example 4: 

Both Jorginho and RLC step out with a lack of defensive communication and fail to both win a challenge from Gordon.  

Both players are not adept in the challenge and the Everton forward easily evades them. The whole sequence of play ends in a shot at our goal, that goes narrowly wide. A situation that can once again be avoided, with proper midfield protection. 

Unfortunately for this Chelsea team, this set up remains completely imbalanced. There are so many isolations in this team when they attack. No supporting runs or wide overloads, players receiving the ball with their backs to goal, drastic lack of early switches into space and not enough players attacking in and around the box. It’s almost as if the team is shackled or caged, unable to explore the OPTION to be more free, due to having no real platform to spring from.  

Here is one example, where Chelsea on the attack and have minimal support in numbers. Only one player is inside the box.  

Is this going to make every single of Chelsea’s attacking players a world beater? No, but in football if you are going to facilitate anything, you facilitate the forward players. Amplifying weakness in players is not a winning formula. Having an athletic, strong, tall, combative, defensively sound central defensive midfielder, allows the players in midfield, fullback/wingback and attack to get forward in numbers with support. Freeing up more partnerships, combinations and attacking questions. Chelsea are easy to play against, specifically at home and it’s a big reason why the record at Stamford bridge is so poor. It’s always a pass out to a wingback or isolated attacking player, with no options or support, then a pass back infield sideways. By the time this routine has been exhausted 3 or 4 times, the opposition have already reset, rinse and repeat. A significant issue is when any of the forward players receives the ball. Not only are they isolated and more often than not with their back to the opposition goal, but it’s the areas in which they mostly receive. It’s far too deep and not near enough to the opposition box. Combine that with the lack of support and space between players, it’s a flawed design.  

So many of our players are used out of position, or not within their correct roles. Now, it is the manager’s job to recognise this and adjust accordingly. Some of Tuchel’s decisions have been somewhat baffling, however that opinion is for another day. It is important to note, with the midfield not correctly addressed, Chelsea are not able to use some of their best players, who would ultimately provide a better outcome for the team’s overall performance, in the positions and roles they should be in. For example, a player such as Mount who is one of Chelsea’s best players, is primarily a midfielder. One who needs runners off of him to exploit his strengths and starting position should be centrally in midfield, where he can see the pitch in front of him. Right now, he is being played out of position, in a forward role that does not exploit these strengths. Here, he often finds himself as one of the highest players on the pitch, it’s just another case of square peg in a round hole. There are far too many players being judged in this team, when fans aren’t even seeing a true reflection of everything they can provide. 

To Sum Up 

It’s much more beneficial from a squad building perspective and from a business perspective, to invest in an area we’ve had troubles in for nearly half a decade, rather than continuing to invest in areas we have spent hundreds of millions on. Build the platform first, create the spine, then you do not have to worry about these things when new attacking players do come in. Otherwise, the end result will always be in and around the same. Isn’t the whole definition of madness, continuing to do the same thing over and over despite failure? 

Ultimately, nine times out of ten, a game of football is one and lost in the midfield. 

Written by Mike Green

Images with StrixlyCFC