The Stamford Bridge outfit Chelsea had a wonderful start to their new season and the arrival of the Italian masterpiece has really rejuvenated the fans and the players too are regaining their shape. Three wins out of three and the manager, Antonio Conte, has been nominated for the best manager in the Premier League for August.
Despite arriving at the Bridge late, the former Juventus boss took no time to hit the strides and his tactics have perfectly helped the blues in the games. So far, everything is going to the plans and even besides the manager, Eden Hazard has marked his name in the nominees for the best player in the Premier League for August.
The Belgian sensation so far has two goals to his credit, including that wonder goal against Burnley. The attacker, who had a dismal season last term, is really helping his side to hit the grounds up and running and till date, no player has made more successful passes in the final third of the pitch than the Belgian.
The Blues surely are enjoying their time, but we do believe that there still are many issues that Conte needs to sort out, and here are three of them:
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3-5-2 or 4-1-4-1 (or other)?-
As soon as the arrival of the Italian was announced, many believed that the Italian tactics will be served at the Bridge, and by this, I meant the 3-5-2 formation. During his time with Juventus, the manager used this formation to outcast the opponents and the players like Chiellini, Barzagli and Bonucci well served the manager.
But after his arrival, the manager clearly stated that he is not just about the classic 3-5-2 and a transition is expected, hence came the 4-1-4-1 stride, where N’Golo Kante stayed at the back to support the backline, while the four midfielders rushed upwards to help the striker and that too has worked for the manager.
But now with the arrival of David Luiz, the 3-5-2 deployment can be a reality. Maybe not now, but when Zouma recovers from his injury, then the manager could well use Cahill, Zouma and Luiz just like he used his guards for the Old Lady.
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Fabregas Conundrum-
The former Arsenal midfielder arrived at the Stamford Bridge back in 2014, and since then, he has been playing a very vital role for the side. It is safe to say that in the season Chelsea won the Premier League title, the Spaniard was one of the brightest prospects for the side and soon after the Italian arrived at the Bridge, his role has been made limited.
The 29-year-old, during the transfer window, was constantly linked with a move away from the club, but now he will have to fight for his place at the Bridge itself. The Sun has reported that the Italian giants AC Milan showed the last minute interest for the Spaniard, but the move failed to capitalize and now, he will have to fight for his place against the likes of N’Golo Kante, Matic and Oscar, who have really started their campaign on a high note.
The manager so far has preferred Matic and Oscar on the central line and maybe he will do the same for the rest of the season. Fabregas, on the other hand, made only one brief substitute appearance at Watford and besides that, he only got 12 minutes at Vicarage Road. So up until now, it is safe to say that the Spaniard doesn’t really have a big role under the manager and in that case, the Italian needs to sort things out.
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Full-backs-
Antonio Conte is known for managing the full backs with a great expertise. While the three centre backs lays their foundation at the back, the full backs travels up and down all the time and without any doubt, they are the hardest working individuals on the pitch (not saying the others aren’t). The use of Alessandro Florenzi and Mattea Di Sciglio was something very beautiful and now with the arrival of Marcos Alonso, the same master-class is expected.
Regardless of what formation the manager will be using, he needs to figure it out that who will be his full backs. So far, Azpilicueta and Ivanovic have been starting and the Spaniard has been looking really well, but Ivanovic is lacking that cutting edge and hence, he might get replaced by the new man.
And in that case, the new arrival, Marcos Alonso, might be taking his usual left spot, while the Spaniard will be shifting his place to the right and maybe that will be the best and first choice pair. And as a backup, the manager will have Ivanovic and the young Ola Aina.