Kante’s role this season is exactly the same as last season i.e.. a box to box midfielder and he was o/s last night. Whilst Lamps was praised (rightly so), not the case last season. Sarri was heavily criticised by all sundries including a section of our fan base for playing Kante out of position, what has changed ?
Despite the back to back defeats early in the season. Still early days, but I am liking what Lamps is trying to achieve. Blending young players with experienced players, doesn’t seem to effect the balance of the team and very exciting to watch too !! Building a good foundation for the future.
With Rüdiger, RLC, CHO, Willian and Reece James yet to make an appearance this season, will provide further strength to this team. Need our strikers to be more composed in front of the goal though.
Tammy’s movement around the box, hold up and link up play is not all that bad, but finishing his chances is what’s letting him down atm. That said, I think he’s still our best striker this season. This is a key are where we should address next summer.
Still don’t know what to make of Kovacic ? Appears to continue, building on his impressive performances towards the end of last season. Very good defensively, tidy passes, good skills in retention of the ball, but lacks creativity in the final third, and could do with scoring goals. Still a useful player to have in the team.
Replacing Hazard was a tough task maybe neigh to impossible. Early signs are that Pulisic has shown that he could grow into an influential player for us. Pulisic joined the club at the same age as Hazard, coincidentally, he has already shown to be as influential as Hazard when he first joined the club. Let’s hope he follows his footsteps.
Very pleased with Mason Mount displays so far, does not look out place, unfortunately for him this is an area where the competition for a starting spot is fierce. I think he’s very determined to make it at Chelsea, and has all the attributes to make it possible.
I am very intrigued to see what RJ can do, given Azpi’s steady decline. Not surprised with Emerson’s emerging as the main contender for the LB position, certainly taken the faith shown in him.
I like Zouma, but he’s not been at his best for us thus far. Certainly, he’s not ball playing defender. He’s a good option to have as a cover though !!
Tomorri is not the greatest defensive, but he has the ability to play from the back. Needs to improve to claim a starting spot, otherwise capable of providing a good depth for the defence.
Thoughts......
Kante’s Role, Kovacic and New Crop
posted on 15/8/19
I instantly knew Tammy was going to miss that penalty. Luckily for him, you can't just replace him with an expensive forward and loan him out, and I think that's a good thing because he seems like he can be a very good striker just need to 'breakthrough' with a couple goals and his confidence will take care of the rest. At the moment he is struggling but I think it's more mental than ability
posted on 15/8/19
comment by Boss By Hugo (U18550)
posted 52 seconds ago
I instantly knew Tammy was going to miss that penalty. Luckily for him, you can't just replace him with an expensive forward and loan him out, and I think that's a good thing because he seems like he can be a very good striker just need to 'breakthrough' with a couple goals and his confidence will take care of the rest. At the moment he is struggling but I think it's more mental than ability
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everyone knew he'd miss. He should go to WBA tomorrow.
posted on 15/8/19
Almost like Kante has never been a sitting midfielder
posted on 15/8/19
if you follow the academy and listen to people in the know you would know that one thing tammy does not lack is confidence
Tammy has also scored 53 senior goals already in his career, hes just under 1 in 2 goals so he also knows how to finish
He has played against United where an inch to the left would have a goal, and 30 mins vs Liverpool and Virgil Van Dyke again his one clear chance in the game he just missed.
lets stop with this weird thing where we instantly want a player drop or question his quality because in two games hes actually played very well in.
Tammy will score 20 goals this season mark my words its what he does hes essentially a new signing adapting to a new team.
posted on 15/8/19
I didn't watch the game last night, but going off the tactics and structure on Sunday Kante's role will be slightly different under Lampard.
I get it via idiotic Sarri criticism, the 'he should play DM' was one of the dumbest arguments I've heard about a player in years/like no-one actually appreciates how unique he is. But the style of play Frank wants will naturally benefit him more. Everything's quicker, makes use of Kante's aggression and energy more which is what everyone wants to see.
posted on 15/8/19
karma dictated that tammy would miss
posted on 15/8/19
I have every faith in Tammy,how old is he ?,once Didier has had a chat with him(as I'm sure he has),he will be a revelation. Remember,.......,stand by our man !
posted on 15/8/19
comment by MTC 2.0 (U21799)
posted 46 minutes ago
if you follow the academy and listen to people in the know you would know that one thing tammy does not lack is confidence
Tammy has also scored 53 senior goals already in his career, hes just under 1 in 2 goals so he also knows how to finish
He has played against United where an inch to the left would have a goal, and 30 mins vs Liverpool and Virgil Van Dyke again his one clear chance in the game he just missed.
lets stop with this weird thing where we instantly want a player drop or question his quality because in two games hes actually played very well in.
Tammy will score 20 goals this season mark my words its what he does hes essentially a new signing adapting to a new team.
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Not sure where I said he lacks confidence?
True, he has a great record in the championship. Didn’t think he had a good return whilst playing on loan for Swansea in the epl.
I am certainly not writing him off, especially given his age and there is room for improvement, Let’s hope he does step up this season and prove, that he has what it takes to lead the line for a foreseeable future.
posted on 15/8/19
comment by Devil D.A. (U6522)
posted 59 minutes ago
I didn't watch the game last night, but going off the tactics and structure on Sunday Kante's role will be slightly different under Lampard.
I get it via idiotic Sarri criticism, the 'he should play DM' was one of the dumbest arguments I've heard about a player in years/like no-one actually appreciates how unique he is. But the style of play Frank wants will naturally benefit him more. Everything's quicker, makes use of Kante's aggression and energy more which is what everyone wants to see.
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Agree.
Kante’s role hasn’t changed but the style of play has. Sarri’s system puts more emphasis on possession/retention of the ball. Even he realised, it wasn’t working towards the last quarter of the season, hence the change, despite his stubbornness.
Lamps seems to more tactically flexible, designed to suit his players strengths.