Chelsea are back on the preseason winners’ sheet in comfortable fashion, with a 3-0 victory over AC Milan in Jakarta.
A victory is always nice in itself, but for me, there are so many positives Xabi Alonso’s team can take from this game.
Since Alonso’s appointment, there has been endless discourse over what formation he will play, with the majority of fans predicting he would revert to his 3-4-3 type formation that brought so much success at Bayer Leverkusen. Well, yesterday was the first time we have properly seen Chelsea line up this way.
Three centre-backs, Marco Palestra at left-wing back, Pedro Neto at right-wing back, and Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro operating as the two 10s. My overall thoughts are that it looked very good, especially defensively.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt created a very compact defence through the middle, with Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo sitting in front of the three centre-backs and covering when needed.
In attack, we very much saw the wing-backs at full flight, bombing up and down the touchline, sticking very wide. I would have liked to have seen Welbeck try to get in behind more, rather than constantly coming towards the ball and creating congestion with Pedro and Palmer.
Speaking of the two 10s, they both have an important role in build-up play in this system, dropping deeper at times to help bridge the gap in the centre of the park between the 6s.
When in possession, you can see why this formation is so reliant on good wingback play. Both wingbacks had so many opportunities in space. Whether it was getting in behind on an overlap run on the counter or having time to put a cross into the box when in possession, Chelsea’s wingbacks were central to most of the chance creation in this system.
Embed from Getty ImagesYou saw this with Pedro’s second goal off Neto’s cross. Speaking of goals, both of Chelsea’s other goals came from corners. A glancing header from Pedro and a sensational outside-of-the-foot volley from Caicedo.
Credit Austin MacPhee, Chelsea’s new set-piece coach. I had seen plenty of talk about this highly-profiled coaching recruitment for Chelsea, and he couldn’t have got off to a better start. Two goals from corners in one game, thank you for coming.
All in all, it was a very successful outing for Chelsea as a whole, but also for many individuals…
Chelsea’s Player Ratings vs AC Milan
Robert Sanchez 7/10 – kept a clean sheet, which earns him a 7 in itself. Did not have to make a single save, but was good with his positional play for the majority of the game. Sprayed a few passes but also created two chances with beautiful long balls over the top.
Jorrel Hato 7/10 – looked very comfortable in the left centre-back role, which I think suits him perfectly. Wasn’t noticeably impressive but did his job.
Embed from Getty ImagesWesley Fofana 8.5/10 – one of the more convincing defensive displays I have seen from him in a Chelsea jersey. Was maybe lucky to get away with a few fouls but flourished in a back three, allowing him to play more aggressively. Was also dominant aerially.
Josh Acheampong 9/10 – had the tough assignment of Leao but managed to shut him out of the game. Obviously, had the highlight chase-down slide tackle, but I thought he was physically dominant throughout, another that probably benefited from the back three system. Also continues to show an impressive ball-carrying ability.
Marco Palestra 9/10 – we have seen how well he plays with both feet, so I have been waiting for him to get a chance on the left side, and wow did he impress. Probably the talking point of Chelsea’s preseason, Palestra continues to show incredible skill and speed getting forward. What was most impressive for me was his seemingly infinite motor, as he continued to bomb up and down that left side all game long, creating so many chances on the overlap from his running alone. With potential question marks over his defensive ability still, the wingback role suits him perfectly.
Embed from Getty ImagesRomeo Lavia 8/10 – honestly, I could give him a 10/10 as Lavia played his first EVER full 90-minute game for Chelsea Football Club. If he can just stay healthy, his potential is incredible. Picked up an assist in this game but, more importantly, looked extremely comfortable and composed in that number 6 role.
Moises Caicedo 9.5/10 – that goal alone secures him this rating because my oh my that was a sight to behold. A goal and assist for the Chelsea captain on the day; you can’t ask for much more. So dominant in the middle of the field and exhibited great positioning when needing to cover for Neto or Acheampong on that right side.
Pedro Neto 8/10 – he was always a candidate to play in the wingback role, and I think it suits him perfectly. He has struggled in the past with his decision-making in the final third, but at wingback he can literally just be a crossing machine, which we saw for his assist. Has always had a great defensive work rate as well and flashed it at times this game with some nice recoveries.
Joao Pedro 9/10 – another two goals for Pedro, who continues to embarrass Ancelotti for his decision not to take him to the World Cup. He really suits that second-striker role as he is so good with his feet and in link-up play. Big season loading for him…
Embed from Getty ImagesCole Palmer 6.5/10 – a quiet game for Cole, who struggled to get too involved in the final third. Got a few shots off but none that were too convincing; honestly I want to see more from him still. Played a few very nice long balls into space, though.
Danny Welbeck 5/10 – just didn’t really look up to speed, unfortunately. I mentioned above that I want him to play more as that number 9 getting in behind, rather than trying to play intricate passes with Pedro and Palmer. Only just been integrated into the side, so may just need some time.
Substitutes
We will only touch on the substitutes that played more than 15 minutes.
Nicolas Jackson 7/10 – came on for Welbeck and immediately looked more dangerous. He is so good on the turn and offers great pace to get in behind. Was very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when he hit the post late.
Geovany Quenda 7/10 – came on at right wingback for Neto, a position that Quenda has actually played in the past under opposition manager Ruben Amorim at Sporting. For the limited minutes he played, he looked electric and was also probably unlucky not to get on the score sheet. Showcased his very tidy footwork and insane shot power.
Leave a Reply