Matic + Kante

A deadly duo beginning to emerge I think. Who would've called it. Enjoy the read:

http://www.squawka.com/news/kante-and-matic-box-to-box-behemoths/813093

At the literal and metaphorical heart of Chelsea’s performance was their box-to-box behemoths: N’Golo Kanté and Nemanja Matic. One a resurrected stalwart from José Mourinho’s 2o15 Title winning side, the other a new signing from Premier League Champions Leicester City.

On the face of things, the two players occupied the same space in the side; functioning as the runner next to Cesc Fabregas. Everyone was absolutely certain that the Spanish international would be the centre-piece of Conte’s new side.

But Conte very quickly dispensed of Cesc, and put Matic and Kanté next to each other. At first they struggled to really make their mark, as they were and are similar players who tended to operate in the same spaces. But with time on the training field (afforded them by their lack of European competition) to work on their partnership, things are beginning to click.

The switch to 3-4-3 has liberated them, because it puts playmakers immediately to their sides with the wingbacks, a playmaking defender behind them in David Luiz, and of course the fully free Eden Hazard and Pedro ahead of them.
This reduces their attacking play to a lot of lateral thinking, straight-line passes in transition to the forward players. The rest of their game can then be allotted to their defensive prowess and thrusting energy all the way up and down the pitch.

Southampton could not find a way around the powerful duo in the middle of the pitch. Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic, obviously drifting centrally to find space as a result of Chelsea doubling up out wide, could find no space.
Chelsea’s mid-block press was spectacular in its execution.

The Saints would commit men forward and when Matic and Kanté led the press and won the ball back, would immediately find their high line being assaulted by the Chelsea forwards. If Eden Hazard and Diego Costa were feeling more ruthless, the score would have been far greater than the 0-2 that it ended up being.

Kanté’s numbers were exemplary. With 92% pass completion, 100% take-ons, 7 interceptions, 2 blocks, and 2/3 tackles won. He was just as dominant as he was with Leicester, except now he was in a more dynamic system.

With him as a slightly more defensive shield, Matic was more free to rumble forward. The Serbian powerhouse had 80% pass completion with two chances created. He won 2/4 tackles, 3/4 aerial duels, 2 interceptions, 3 clearances, 3 blocks.

Since moving to 3-4-3, Chelsea’s fortunes have turned around and obviously the forwards have taken the credit. But the main reason their fortunes have picked up is because this new formation has enabled their two dynamic midfielders to maximise their qualities and enable Chelsea to absolutely dominate the middle of the park.

They obliterated Manchester United (exemplified by Kanté’s goal) and have now done the same to Southampton. With this little-and-large combination running the show, Chelsea’s assault on the Premier League Title absolutely must be taken seriously.