This is the second of three parts in my evaluation of Chelsea’s current first team players. (The video’s for Essien and Mikel are dated, with Essien being less effective and Mikel being a little more effective, in my opinion)
Midfielders:
John Obi Mikel- Obi was a massive part of Roberto di Matteo’s plans, but since has fallen off a bit. Obi didn’t get much game time under Rafa Benitez and I would expect the same from Jose Mourinho. Afterall, it was Mourinho who changed the Nigerian to a more defensive role in the early stages of his career after he signed from Lyn. Mikel has been a relatively consistent force in the Chelsea midfield, but he may look for a move abroad after falling down the pecking order.
Michael Essien- Once the best defensive mid in the world, age and injuries have caught up with Essien. After a season long loan at Real Madrid last term, Essien is back and looking for first team action. Although he played well in the preseason, the Ghanian may be a step behind in the Premier League, and is more of a wild card than a sure thing. If Essien can regain some of his pace and change from his role from a box to box player to a holding mid, then he may be able to take a spot alongside Ramires in the Blues midfield. If not, he’ll most likely play second fiddle to Blues younger players.
Marco Van Ginkel- The young Dutch midfielder enjoyed a fantastic preseason for the club. Van Ginkel was bought from Vitesse for around eight million pounds, and is a potential partner for Ramires. Van Ginkel possesses a great amount of discipline, especially considering the fact that he’s only 20 years old. This makes him the perfect foil to Ramires, as the Brazilian is a constant runner. Expect big things to come from the Dutchman.
Ramires- The Brazilian just never stops going. One of the better performers this preseason, Ramires was his usual self, full of pace, strength and hustle. He also had the highlight of the trip to America, with a sublime chip over Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas reminding people of his similar maneuver against Barcelona in the 2012 Champions League semi-final at the Nou Camp. There are things that Ramires needs to eradicate from his game, such as his ill-advised challenges and tendency to fade out of games. Jose Mourinho will also be a factor in proving how effective the young Brazilian is this term; if deployed as a box-to-box mid rather than a wide-man (as he was sometimes placed last season), Ramires will be put in the conversation with the likes of Yaya Toure and Michael Carrick.
Frank Lampard- Frank Lampard is a legend. He’s arguably the best player to ever suit up in a Blues shirt, but that doesn’t mean he should be given an automatic spot on the team sheet every week. Lampard’s pace has left him, leaving him less effective in the modern game, a game dominated by speed and strength. That doesn’t mean he won’t be a crucial part in this seasons squad. If Lampard can be used in the “Makelele role”, something that Jose Mourinho is very fond of, he may find himself getting regular game time again. The thing that makes Lamps so special is his eye for goal, the ability he has to make the perfect runs at the perfect time. That’s something that this squad desperately needs, seeing as though the three strikers, Torres, Lukaku and Ba have been hit or miss this preseason. Only time will tell how effective, or how much time Chelsea’s number 8 will see on the pitch.
Recommended Lineup (with defense included)
Cech
Ivanovic- Cahill- Luiz- Cole
Ramires- Van Ginkel
Tomorrow I’ll have posted the third and final of my evaluations, and you can check back Saturday for a preview of Sunday’s opener vs. Hull City. Go Chelsea!
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