Kunta, it probably doesn’t help not having a striker in the box for a lot of the time. And Giroud, while good in the air, doesn’t move off the ball or attack it like Morata. I’d be interested to see the stats breakdown with Alonso for when Hazard, Morata and Giroud are in the team.

I don’t think you get enough players in the box either. Doesn’t seem to be the game for a lot of your playwrs. That doesn’t help any of your wide players/full backs even if their delivery isn’t good enough. Accurate crossers would still struggle if there isn’t anyone to aim for.
—————-
That stat is for the whole season where he’s played most games with Morata and Giroud, in the same period most of the team have around double the success rate, including Azpilicueta. Having someone short does not mean you cannot get accurate crosses. City have just as short a team and Mendy is still the highest of assists for defenders in league so far. Liverpool as well produce many chances via cutbacks from their full backs. Ours just aren’t good enough. You are right that movement would help though.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

I agree about short players, but Hazard doesn’t get in the box enough, neither do enough of your attackers. So it impacts on the whole team regardless of how good or bad the crossing is.

We’ve got similar issues. The delivery isn’t good enough but it’s only now are we starting to get more men in the box, and we look better for it.

NPE, I think Coutinho could be pretty great in this Chelsea team if a transfer could be made. Though I’m not convinced Barca are going to give up on him so soon after spending what they have on him.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

I hope so, but we won’t maintain this form. So the hope is that Higuain fails and Hazard doesn’t pick up the slack. Getting Hazard back on the left is the big thing here. He’s carried Chelsea’s attack for years so has oroven he can do this.

Here's my two penneth worth

Put AC (or Ampadu) at the back with Azpi & Rudi in a three - drop Alonso

Play Luiz in DM next to Kante

Midfield needs to be Emerson (wide) Haz Pedro & CHO (wide) with hopefully Higuian up front

Hold Kova Jorg & Willian on the bench


Obviously this won't be popular though

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

comment by NPE IV (U22020)
posted 28 seconds ago
Luiz in DM is a non starter
----------------------------------------------------------------------
actually isn't....but you'll lay out reasons why it is...& i'll consider them

in your own time NPE....

There’s a reason nobody ever sticks with David Luiz in defensive midfield when he’s been played there...

I’ve never understood the clamour for cb’s that are comfortable on the ball to be midfielders. It’s a completely different position, very few actually excel there when played.

When you have a position coaches into you for so many years it’s not easy just to redefine your position, especially in the middle of the park.

comment by Ed The King Woodward (U10026)
posted 1 minute ago
There’s a reason nobody ever sticks with David Luiz in defensive midfield when he’s been played there...

I’ve never understood the clamour for cb’s that are comfortable on the ball to be midfielders. It’s a completely different position, very few actually excel there when played.

When you have a position coaches into you for so many years it’s not easy just to redefine your position, especially in the middle of the park.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
and that reason is...?

He’s not that comfortable there, because he’s a cb.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

I think Luiz has improved a lot from his prior weaknesses , & personally see no reason he couldn't (to a degree) do what Fabregas used to do...especially when we have the likes of Ampadu in the wings with such huge potential...if given the chance

I'm not saying this is our biggest issue though...by a stretch...Luiz is fine in CB, & one of our best players currently

Also when you consider that Jorginho is the type deepest midfielder that Sarri wants it makes Luiz even more unsuitable.

comment by Ed The King Woodward (U10026)
posted 9 minutes ago
Also when you consider that Jorginho is the type deepest midfielder that Sarri wants it makes Luiz even more unsuitable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm struggling to see what Sarri wants from him period....it can't be what he's getting currently...so it's a moot point

comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 0 seconds ago
comment by Ed The King Woodward (U10026)
posted 9 minutes ago
Also when you consider that Jorginho is the type deepest midfielder that Sarri wants it makes Luiz even more unsuitable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm struggling to see what Sarri wants from him period....it can't be what he's getting currently...so it's a moot point
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jorginho that is...

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

To transition up the pitch with short passing. This isn’t an area Luiz excels, his strength is in his mid/long range passing, and that’s when the play is all in front of him, which doesn’t always happen with this role as they often come short with their back to the play or on the half turn. So it’s not really a moot point if you don’t know why he’s in the team.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

comment by NPE IV (U22020)
posted 1 minute ago
Its pretty clear what Sarri wants, Jorginho to redistribute the ball to midfielders running into space. Not his fault we are staticl
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So...are you saying he's the only person in the side given that task....?

And if he is...why does he (Sarri) persevere with him when he's clearly not doing it

Why can't he run into space himself and pick the ball up then distribute it...I'm not meaning to be pedantic here...just asking obvious questions

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

comment by NPE IV (U22020)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 55 seconds ago
comment by NPE IV (U22020)
posted 1 minute ago
Its pretty clear what Sarri wants, Jorginho to redistribute the ball to midfielders running into space. Not his fault we are staticl
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So...are you saying he's the only person in the side given that task....?

And if he is...why does he (Sarri) persevere with him when he's clearly not doing it

Why can't he run into space himself and pick the ball up then distribute it...I'm not meaning to be pedantic here...just asking obvious questions
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Because its not his fault if other players arent transitioning up the pitch correctly,

As for why Sarri plays him, because he agrees the fault isnt Jorginhos.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Good lord...

Anyone else have an opinion on this....