But he doesn't need to be "elite". Juts be left do to the job he is good at.
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But he doesn't need to be "elite". Juts be left do to the job he is good at.
What is he good at though? He has never convinced me as a defensive, destroyer type DM and I'm not overly sure about him playing as a passer either. So what job does he actually do well?
Mikel is a very tidy scrapper, tackles well and intercepts even better, and moves ball in short sharp passes in all directions. Used properley will pick up the ball from his defenders move it to his partner and full backs, and provide a defensive shield. The thing is, Chelsea dont seem to know what to do with him, he isnt a lone DM type player.
Partnering Mikel with Romeu would probably be too defensive, but if (and it's a big if) Oscar could play a deeper, more disciplined role it might just work out... something like Song/Arteta for Arsenal last season, where both central midfielders were comfortable on the ball and shared defensive duties.
Cech
Ivanovic Cahill Luiz Bertrand
Oscar Mikel
Marin Mata Hazard
Torres
That XI would be full of win. That said, it's entirely hypothetical and it could also end up being a failure of epic proportions.
Cech
Ivanovic Cahill Luiz Bertrand
Oscar Mikel
Marin Mata Hazard
Torres
That XI would be full of win. That said, it's entirely hypothetical and it could also end up being a failure of epic proportions.
Only one real source of natural width, though, from Bertrand. Occupy him with a hard-working right midfielder - a Milner, a Valencia, even the likes of Albrighton - and you're desperately short of a wide outlet to stretch play.
While I agree that Hazard is not a winger, I believe Marin - who also tends to drift inside - could play as an out-and-out winger on the right. You could play Ramires there, but he's not a winger either, and I like Marin too much to leave him out.
Btw, I totally forgot Azpilicueta, who could probably replace Ivanovic as the right fullback.
Don't reckon Marin is an out and out winger by any stretch of the imagination, but I forgot about Azpilicueta. Ramires may not be a proper winger, but his natural inclination is to widen play, and even if it wasn't he's disciplined enough to perform that role anyway.
think I overstate the importance of natural width, it's something I get really weird about. No idea why.
Don't reckon Marin is an out and out winger by any stretch of the imagination, but I forgot about Azpilicueta. Ramires may not be a proper winger, but his natural inclination is to widen play, and even if it wasn't he's disciplined enough to perform that role anyway.
think I overstate the importance of natural width, it's something I get really weird about. No idea why.
Width creates gaps. Even if you game isn't focused on crossing, stretching the opponent allows gaps for the split pass. For its me its vital for any kind of passing game. In Chelsea's case, it means more gaps for Mata/Oscar to exploit.
I really don't see what we want out of Mikel, so many fans saying he is not good enough and with him we will struggle to win things. What do they want to win FA Cups with him oh we done that, a league title because i am sure we done that too or maybe even a champions league title! Hearing so much **** about him you would not believe and most of it has been from so called English based people and long term fans, such things like....
- He only passes sideways and backwards. Stats show he actually attempts more forward passes every game so that is false.
- He always looses the ball. 93% pass completion this season so that is also false.
- He only passes the ball 5 yards. Erm it's his job to play simple passes and keep hold of possession!
- Makes mistakes all the time. 2 in one week is not all the time, compared to the amount of mistakes Terry has made for instance it is minimal.
- Goal mid-week was all his fault. Yes he gave the ball away but a lot happened after that, there was no slating towards JT for stepping up until I mentioned it. Even tonight i have seen people picking what they think the side should be for today's game and it the insanity has reached a new level! In a 4-1-4-1 formation Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole, Lampard (defensive mid on his own!!!!), Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Moses and Torres. So basically just play attackers and you will win then yeah?
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And, for that matter, this season he's played accurate 10 long balls. Only three fewer than Lampard, two fewer than Mata, and two more than Hazard. Nobody could accuse those three of being unambitious with their passing.
I think one viable accusation that could be levelled against Obi Mikel is that he often doesn't show up for big matches. Now there may be a case for that, but it must be remembered he is 25, relatively a young man playing in a position that rewards experience.
That is exactly what i said too mate, i said this role requires experience and Mikel has got better as the years have gone on. Agree that in big games he can be poor and when the game is not going our way he can be a liability but in the position he plays in that will be more visible. Even just saw a comment saying "he makes mistakes every year leading to goals", i only remember that one if i am honest. Started to get threats now lol love it.
i hate you carl your a **** !!!
carl its about your a ******* **** and when im next at the bridge i wanna meet u 1v1 cos im gonna knock u the **** out !!!
Charming haha.
Take it as a compliment mate. Insults/threats are the last refuge of someone with no credible argument left.
Line-up today, Cech, Brana, Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Oscar, Mata, Hazard and Torres.
Both Lampard and Terry on the bench which i am quite pleased about. With the players selected will be interesting to see whether it's a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
Both Lampard and Terry on the bench which i am quite pleased about. With the players selected will be interesting to see whether it's a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
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Ashley Ashley you hero!
Phew! Very frustrating game. Stoke sat deep and stifled us effectively before a magic moment by Juan Mata won us the game.
Credits to Victor Moses who was superb when he came on. Really gave us a lift. Oscar also handled himself much better in a game like this than I expected. Played very well
Ramires looked like a rejuvenated player playing in the double pivot. More of the same please RDM!
Torres was pretty **** but whats new?
Credits to Victor Moses who was superb when he came on. Really gave us a lift. Oscar also handled himself much better in a game like this than I expected. Played very well
Ramires looked like a rejuvenated player playing in the double pivot. More of the same please RDM!
Torres was pretty **** but whats new?