LvG's revolution: Dutchman's challenge of fitting Van Persie, Rooney, Kagawa, Mata and Herrera in the same team.

As the Premier League is all set to kick off, 18 Yard Box's contributor Aseem Gadgil takes a look at how van Gaal would line his team up to suit the quintet.

The 2013-14 season of the English Premier League, for Manchester United fans, proved to be a forgettable one. The giants of English football, who had never finished outside of the Top 3 positions in the Premier League era, found themselves languishing at an unexpected 7^th place. For the first time, in over two decades, Manchester United failed to qualify for European football. David Moyes, then Manager of MUFC, was unceremoniously shown the door even before the season ended. Ryan Giggs took command as Interim Manager and the hunt for a new Boss began.

United’s crosshairs finally zeroed in on Louis van Gaal, who has had an illustrious career managing some of Europe’s top teams like Bayern Munich, Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona. 15 major trophies adorn his resume, as of now. After leading an average Netherlands side to a 3^rd place finish in the World Cup, Van Gaal’s tactics and his composure during the games were applauded the world over and United fans were relieved to see the club in seemingly able hands.

van Gaal's real test begins today

It would be an understatement to say that the Old Trafford faithful are curious and excited to see how their team will be approaching this coming season, especially after the clueless and disastrous brand of football played in the previous one. A quick study of van Gaal’s managerial career would be enough to show that his teams play attacking football and manage to grind out results, more often than not, even with average squads. Something which reminds one and all of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The van Gaal revoultion

Van Gaal has taken no time to impose his style of play. Where Sir Alex relied on the conventional 4-4-2, van Gaal’s side adopt a 3-5-2 with marauding wingbacks. The United side will need to adapt to this style of play quickly and going by their pre- season results, things seem quite under control. However, the biggest challenge which van Gaal faces is to the integrate the quintet of Mata, Kagawa, Herrera, Rooney And Van Persie and along with this, maintaining the defensive stability of the line-up.

Lvg's preferred XI

To solve the need of a Box to Box midfielder, ever since the departure of Roy Keane, saw the arrival of Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao for a fee of 29 million GBP. He is a complete midfielder. His ball distribution, composure on the ball and off-the-ball movements make him a threat going forward. Not only an impressive passing range and the ability to execute defense-splitting through balls, Herrera’s ability to read the opposition and a combination of above average defensive tackles and interceptions make him a sort of extra defensive cover in the centre of the park. His decent-to-high workrate allows him to switch between defense and attack as and when the situation demands. Herrera is tailor-made to remedy the current shambolic state of United’s midfield and is expected to be a regular in the centre. He will most likely be partnered by Michael Carrick or Darren Fletcher. With Carrick sidelined due to injury and Herrera needing a more solid player beside him, it looks like Darren Fletcher will be the preferred choice. Van Gaal has tried out Shinji Kagawa, a proper CAM, in a double-pivot too, during pre-season, and has hinted that we might see him in attacking as well as deeper roles under LvG. The Manager’s prime reason for this is that he wants his best passers (namely Mata, Kagawa and Herrera) to be on the pitch whenever possible. Mata will undoubtedly be the first choice central attacking midfielder (CAM) and will be deployed in the hole behind the two forwards. Adnan Januzaj is expected to be his cover, along with Kagawa, considering the 19-year old isn’t really cut-out for the wingback role. 

Integrating the trio in one team will be one of van Gaal's challenges

Other options which give depth to United’s midfield are Tom Cleverley and Maroaune Fellaini, both of whom will have to up their performances from last season to feature in the 3-5-2 of van Gaal. Both could partner Herrera depending upon the injuries to the squad.

After midfield, the striking department is probably the department that has got United fans excited the most. With Mata being the obvious first choice CAM and LvG’s formation having 2 forwards, one can expect Rooney and Robin van Persie to pair up at the head of United’s team sheet. Rooney’s striking talents being wasted by playing him in a deeper role is something that had many people disturbed. But now maybe we will see Rooney banging in those goals we all know he is capable of scoring, in tandem with van Persie. Van Persie had a pretty good World Cup and that coupled with his closeness to the Manager might mean that we get to see him in top form, scoring goals for fun. Both strikers also have an uncanny knack of dropping deep and picking out passes for the runners to get behind the opposition defense. However, the passing amongst them is one which needs to be worked at. Both strikers, while phenomenal when played alone, have not played as well together since the past 2 seasons as the United fans would have hoped for (both have never fired on all cylinders together). However, with these two leading the line and Mata and/or Kagawa behind them, it would be safe to assume that goals will flow and that we will get to see a lot of creativity, conviction and flair from the front 3. 

The new formation could see plenty of goals from this duo

Having 2 strikers also means more chances for Welbeck and Chicharito (assuming rumors of him leaving are untrue). Welbeck, heavily touted as one of England's best young strikers for the future, has to improve his finishing ability to get into the the starting XI. His workrate is phenomenal, however, his consistency needs to improve. Chicharito, too, needs to find his magic touch back which has eluded him since the past two seasons. 

Conclusion

All in all, the attacking department looks pretty set on paper and in theory. It is just a question of gelling quickly and adapting to the system, before we see the magic on field. Looking at the players at United’s disposal and the past exploits of the Manager, it wouldn’t be too much to expect a massively better season than the last one. The 7^th place finish must have hurt the players too and they will be rearing to go. Manchester United have always been known to get up and strike back every time they fall and the fans must be expecting the glory days to come back soon.

Written By,

Aseem Gadgil

Aseem is a contributor for 18 Yard Box.

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Let your boys watch football! And live the game with them

Ever wondered why your son is locked up in his room infront of his TV on Saturday nights and refusing to go out for family get togethers? Ever wondered why your husband has cancelled a date with you on a weekend? Ever wondered why your brother is not available to take you shopping during weekend nights? The answer lies right here. Read on..

The trophy every team plays for

Come 16th August almost all boys (and alot of girls too) will not want to come out on weekends with family. Although we do not suggest it is the right thing to do, knowing the reason behind this behavior is a must. Your kid has been attacked by what is known as 'Football Mania'- a craze which has taken the nation by storm. Once infected, there is no cure to it. So it is rather pointless trying to maneuver his interest somewhere. Now the question arises is why the date 16th August? 

The very answer to that is that it is the inaugural day of the Barclays Premier League (English football's top flight League). No football fan wants to miss the starting day of the League as his heart is thumping with excitement and he is ready and raring to support his favorite team. So, instead of forcing them to come out with you on this special day, we, the team of 18 Yard Box have decided to enlighten you with the basic concepts of the game and the top five teams to look out for so that you too can enjoy his passion the way he does. 

A game that united millions

League Format

The League format is not very much different from the IPL (Indian Premier League). What follows in the IPL is a concept adopted from the English League (widely known as EPL). Where IPL consists of 8 teams, there are 20 teams in the EPL each having their own football stadium and owners. Each team will face the other 19 teams precisely twice, once at their home ground and once at the opponents' home ground, creating a football festival which spans over 9 months. However, the EPL format differs from the IPL one in many ways. Some basic differences are listed below :

• Each match is of 90 minutes divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. There is an interval of 15 minutes between the two. Each team consists of 11 players (10 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper).
• The team who scores the maximum goals in the match wins it.
• Each win gives you 3 points and not 2.
• Each draw gives you 1 point unlike IPL in which you have no draws.
• There are no play-off games or semi finals or finals. The team which finishes at the top wins the title for that season. 

Its not just a game. Its passion

Ok. So, now you are well equipped with the format. It is time to look at some basic rules of the game.

Rules

• None of the 10 outfield players can touch the ball with his hand. If he does that then the opposition team gets to take free kick.
• ONLY the goalkeeper can touch the ball with his hand but only when he is inside the D AREA marked near his goal. Outside it he cannot handle the ball.
• If a player DELIBERATELY pulls down the opposition player it is a 'FOUL' and results in a yellow card which means a warning. If he does it once more it results in red card which means he will have to leave the field of play and that team, to which the player belongs to, will have to play with 10 players instead of 11. In rare cases, where the fouls are very bad, the player gets a straight red card without a warning.
• A goal is counted only if the ball crosses the goal line (in air or physically). 
• Each team can use 3 substitutes, meaning by which it can replace 3 players playing with 3 new players should an injury take place or the player feels tired.

The most dreaded card

Alright. Now your are acquainted with the basic format and rules. I hope there is no confusion. If there is, then your son or your daughter will be more than happy to clear it out. 

Once you have understood this, you must realise that just like IPL, EPL teams too have fans. Almost 90% of fans follow the 'TOP 5' clubs (as they are known as). We will introduce you to each of these teams and also let you know their most famous player to look out for.

Teams to look out for

1. Manchester United (Nickname: Red Devils)

Manchester United crest

Football fans' favorite and England's most successful club, Manchester United was established in the year 1878 in the city of Manchester. The team has won a total of 20 League titles since its inception. Having had a disastrous season last year, Manchester United have appointed Louis van Gaal as their manager (the team coach) to bring the glory days back to the club. The club saw 24 terrific years under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, who ultimately retired at the then of the 2012-13 season.

United, also called as the 'Red Devils' (nickname), have plenty of stars in their team but one person who has been with the team through most of their glory days has been their newly appointed captain Wayne Rooney. He plays as a striker (a term which denotes that he is the player responsible for scoring goals) in this famous club. He is the one player every team fears and one you must look out for.

Wayne Rooney

2. Liverpool (Nickname: The Reds) 

Liverpool crest

English football's second most successful club and bitter rivals of Manchester United, Liverpool, have a splendid history of their own. Established in 1892 in the city of Liverpool, Liverpool have won the League 18 times. Many these titles came under the managerial reign of the Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish. Intense competition followed between Liverpool's Dalglish and United's Sir Alex, where Sir Alex came out on tops every single time, hence making the rivalry all the more bitter. The current Liverpool manager is Brendan Rodgers who is a shrewd tactician and sets his team to play an attacking style of the game.

Having lost their best player, Luis Suarez, to Barcelona (just like IPL players change teams in EPL too. These are known as transfers.), one player to look out for is their captain Steven Gerrard. Leading from the front Gerrard plays in the middle of the field, thereby, controlling his team's play with his clever passes.

Steven Gerrard

3. Arsenal (Nickname: Gunners)

Arsenal crest

The third most successful team in the English League are the Arsenal football club. Established in 1886 in the north of London, Arsenal saw two famous eras, one, under their former manager George Graham and another, under their current manager Arsene Wenger ( No. The club is not named after the manager's name). The club have won the League 13 times. 

Arsenal's player to look out for is the German Mesut Ozil. Playing in an attacking goals, his passes are a key to create goal scoring chances for the strikers. 

Mesut Ozil

Fun Fact: Arsene Wenger has a majors (degree) in economics and Manuel Pellegrini is an engineer by education

4. Chelsea (Nickname: The Blues)

Chelsea crest

A relatively new entrant into the fray has been the London based club, Chelsea. Chelsea were not a force to reckon with until 2003 when Jose Mourinho took over and the ownership changed hands to land into a Russian Billionaire's (Roman Abramovich) hands. With lots of money given to them by their owner, Chelsea have bought some extraordinary talents in the past decade. Established in the year 1905, Chelsea have won just the League 4 times, twice under Jose Mourinho.

There are plenty of star players in Chelsea's team but one to look out for is Eden Hazard. The Beligan plays as an attacker, scoring goals and creating plenty for his team mates too.

Eden Hazard

5. Manchester City (Nickname: The Sky Blues)

Manchester City crest

Established in 1880 but coming into the competitive game since 2008, when Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan took the ownership of this club, Manchester City are the cross-town rivals of Manchester United. They are the defending champions of the League and are currently coached by Manuel Pellegrini. They, too, have won the League 4 times.

Their famous is the Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure. The midfield powerhouse brings a significant amount of strength to City side as he contributes not only with goals but also is responsible of winning the ball from the opposition players.

Yaya Toure

Now you all are equipped with sufficient knowledge to start watching the game. Its time for you to grab a bowl of popcorn and sit with you sons/daughters and enjoy with them their passion in their own way. We are very sure that by doing this, the bond between you and your son/daughter/husband will grow stronger. Enjoy the game.

Written By,

Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for Starsports India and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter @rish2610

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Lallana, Lambert, Lovren, Markovic and Can: What do Liverpool's signings bring to the team?

With the season just two days away, 18 Yard Box takes a look at the Kop's new signings and what they bring to the Liverpool side.

“Our criteria that we look for is players with strong technique and football intelligence. They need to mentally have the attitude and the capacity to learn and they have to be so hungry to fight for every ball on every day in training and in the game”, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was quoted as saying after his side beat Shamrock Rovers 4-0 in a low-key end-of-season friendly in May. 

“You'll get some players who are specialists and who need to play in particular positions, but if we can get players in who are multi-functional, and can play in different roles and are multi-dimensional in their work, it sets us up and gives me more options as a coach.”

True to his word, Liverpool have added highly versatile players who ooze pace and power and are equally comfortable playing in different positions with different roles.

Having already made seven signings this season, five of them have hogged the limelight. We take a look at these five players who will be turning out for the Anfield outfit next season and how they could have an effect on the Reds’ title challenge.

1. Dejan Lovren

Lovren adds the necessary stability to the Kop's defence

Rodgers’ team plays a high line which involves energetic closing down of the opposition as they hunt in packs. The fullbacks push forward and the defenders have to be quick as they are susceptible to counters and there are a lot of open spaces to be covered. Their role is expected to be that of ball playing defenders who are quick in 1 on 1 situations. In Lovren, they have found a player who is not only comfortable playing in both the centreback positions, but also is good on the ball and has a calm, dominating, vocal presence at the back, something that Liverpool have been missing since the days of Sami Hyypia who could organise the entire defense being a leader on the pitch.

Many eyebrows have been raised on the price tag of the former Saints man, however, Liverpool’s downfall last season had been their defence. With Lovren in their side, Liverpool have taken a giant stride to plug that hole.

2. Rickie Lambert

Lambert provides a plan B to Liverpool

At just £4m, Lambert is a shrewd signing and with his height and strength, he gives Liverpool the perfect Plan B which they sorely lacked last season. Despite being a capable targetman, he is perhaps more comfortable with the ball at his feet as he looks to drop deep to receive passes in between the lines and pick out the runs of wide players with his brilliant first touch and remarkable vision. His chemistry with Adam Lallana at Southampton should also bode well for the pair’s future in Merseyside.

His 10 assists with the 13 goals he bagged in the League are testament to the fact that he is as much of a provider as a goal threat and will no doubt improve the Anfield club's poor output of just seven goals scored by substitutes in the League.

Various permutation and combinations at Rodgers' disposal

3. Adam Lallana

Lallana's Premier League experience will come in handy

Lallana is Liverpool’s costliest signing this summer with a reported fee of £23.6million but is tailor-made for Rodger’s short-passing, high pressing game and is equally adept at playing centrally in the number 10 role or out wide on either flank from where he is very dangerous drifting infield.

He has brilliant dribbling skills and good close control of the ball, as demonstrated by his brilliant goal against Hull City, and along with his ability to work hard off the ball, he looks set to justify his price tag.

4. Lazar Markovic

Markovic's turn of pace could bamboozle opposition defences

The Serbian wonderkid is another player who is comfortable playing on either flank as well operating in the number 10 role as he adds to Brendan Rodgers’ fluid attacking system.

The pacey winger has a wonderful composure and likes to receive the ball in space before proceeding to run at opposing defenders with his mazy dribbling ability. He also has a remarkable workrate and looks to help out his fullback when not in possession.

He is expected to be used as a supersub during the initial few weeks and with his skill on the ball, combined with his pace and athleticism, he will be another play that looks a perfect fit for last season’s runner-ups.

5. Emre Can

He could be the midfield powerhouse that Liverpool have lacked 

Having only featured in a few games in the pre-season so far, Can has already established himself as the physical presence that Liverpool have lacked in midfield for far too long. He is a versatile player who is at his best playing the box to box midfielder role but is also a tough tackling defensive midfielder and can play left back with ease. 

He has immense energy and desire to make lung busting runs as well as stopping opposition attacks. He reads the game well and is therefore able to make interceptions and is capable of playing long balls to switch play. With outstanding composure for a 20-year-old, he could prove to be bargain buy amongst all other Liverpool signings.

Conclusion

Liverpool have spent a significant part of their transfer kitty on these men. However, the loss of Suarez and the responsibility of Champions League football could see the Reds going for one big signing this summer. Rodgers has shown that he can work wonders with hungry and talented players. With some exciting deals already concluded, keeping in mind that three of the five players came from Southampton, and a further few additions still on the way (in the likes of Javi Manquillo on loan from Atletico Madrid and rumoured arrival of Alberto Moreno), Liverpool fans have every reason to expect a good season. However, with the rivals strengthening considerably, Liverpool's reluctance to buying a big proven name in the market could cost them the top 4. Whether that happens or not remains to be see though as Rodgers has an uncanny knack of getting the best out of his team. 

Written By,
Raunaq Salat

Raunaq is a contributor to 18 Yard Box. 

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Ten Premier League stunners

The clock is ticking as slow as possible for the Premier League fans and as we all wait for the first ball to get kicked, 18 Yard Box's Pranav Byatnal and Pranav Shenoy take a look back into the past and pick out ten beauties for our readers to re-live. Enjoy watching. 

All goals are selected by our writers and are the team's personal favourites. There were plenty of stunners to choose from but we found these 10 the best. We no way claim that these are the 'top' ten goals of the Premier League and they are not in order of importance either. We hope you enjoy watching them.

1. Thierry Henry v/s Manchester United (courtesy-Coriat Cruz)

2. Wayne Rooney v/s Manchester City (courtesy- shaul6)

3. Dennis Bergkamp v/s Newcastle United (courtesy- HDArsenalVideos)

4. Pajtim Kasami v/s Crystal Palace (courtesy- Aniruddha Alek)

5. David Beckham v/s Wimbledon (courtesy- EveryFourthYear)

6. Anton Ferdinand v/s Fulham (courtesy- Will Gossage)

7. Matthew Taylor v/s Everton (courtesy- hogrider9)

8. Tony Yeboah v/s Wimbledon (courtesy- EveryFourthYear)

9. Tony Yeboah v/s Liverpool (courtesy- Nixie Mxie)

10. Steven Gerrard v/s Middlesborough (courtesy-thomaslfc04)

Chosen By,

Pranav Byatnal and Pranav Shenoy

Follow Pranav Byatnal on Twitter @pranavTH14

Follow Pranav Shenoy on Twitter (@Devilshenoy93)

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Pranav Byatnal and Pranav Shenoy are writers/contributors at 18 Yard Box.

Why Mourinho's Chelsea must evolve to make the most of midfield riches

Having a plethora of creative spark in his midfield, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho needs to remodel his game to suit their potential. 18 Yard Box's Mrunal Nakashe takes a look at how he could do that.

Jose Mourinho returned as Chelsea manager last season amidst much fanfare. To the Portuguese's credit the Blues had a relatively successful campaign, mounting a sustained title challenge as well as reaching the last four of the Champions League. The season becomes even more commendable when you consider that throughout the term they were without an out and out goal-scoring striker. The only thing missing was that all important piece of silverware.

Much has changed for both Mourinho and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich since the two men last parted ways in September 2007. The Portuguese enjoyed a richly successful spell with Inter Milan immediately after. But, his three-year stint at Real Madrid, prior to his return to the Bridge, was turbulent to say the least. The ex-Porto boss won two Premier Leagues titles and an FA Cup in his first spell in English football and since the time he left Chelsea, the Blues have had an incredible seven managers in seven seasons. (This does not include Ray Wilkins' solitary game in-charge in February 2009).

The two men had different philosophies which led to their separation in 2007

The reason behind Mourinho's exit in 2007 was no secret. Manager and owner were not on the same page, at least as far as the team's style of play was concerned. Mourinho has a more pragmatic, result-oriented philosophy, based around a solid defence and the ability to make the most of limited chances. Indeed, as the game against Liverpool and the away tie to Atletico Madrid in Europe last season proved, the astute tactician has no qualms about stifling the opposition and turning the game in to a scrappy affair, if the approach meets his ends. On the other hand, Abramovich prefers a more entertaining philosophy based on possession and quick passing, the kind professed by cross-town rivals Arsenal, for instance.

However, after illustrious names like Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti amongst others, were unable to provide a successful marriage of an attacking brand of football to go with regular trophies, the Russian oligarch seems to have got his priorities straight, in returning to tried and trusted hands. It may come as second nature to Mourinho. But, one look at the current Chelsea squad makes clear, his philosophy must evolve in order to make the most of the embarrassing riches the Blues now possess in midfield.

They tried. They failed (Carlo Ancelotti- left. Guus Hiddink- Right)

The London side will still go with the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Namanja Matic has played a starring role since re-signing back in January and new recruit Cesc Fabregas will partner him in the two-man pivot in front of the back four. Crucially, the lack of firepower upfront looks to have been addressed with the acquisition of Spanish international Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid. He will be most likely supported by the midfield trio of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Andre Schurrle.

The addition of the former Blaugrana midfielder gives plenty of spark to the Chelsea side 

But, here's where the different permutations and combinations come into play. Hazard can play on either flank, although, he spends most of his time out on the left. Mohamed Salah and Willian are the other options to deputize on the right flank. The Brazilian can also play through the middle. His compatriot Oscar tapered off towards the end of last term and if he continues in the same vein, Fabregas can easily slot into the midfield three with John Obi Mikel dropping in alongside Matic. Importantly though, most of these are players who like to zip the ball around at pace and into feet.

The ability of the trio to assume different roles shows Chelsea's versatility

Further, the two full-backs will have greater responsibility in this shape. Both Filipe Luis and Cesar Azpilicueta will be required to get up and down the flanks in support of the two wingers, apart from looking after their defensive duties. Costa himself is a forward who enjoys having the ball at his feet, but his predatory instincts also make him great in the air. During his Atletico Madrid days, Costa flourished under Diego Simeone's direct approach to the game and this is what Chelsea would need to adopt should they hope to make fully use of his potential. Of course, Costa is not shy of putting himself about and when that needs to be done he, and the returning Didier Drogba, will always provide the option of going back to basics with the route-one approach. Both strikers will prove a handful for most defences and can always be relied upon to win a high percentage of aerial duals and get the pacy wingers into play from knockdowns.. However, that will not work as the main philosophy, at least with this midfield.

Costa's acquisition means that Chelsea would have to remodel their game to suit the striker

Despite being right in the thick of the title race throughout the last campaign, Mourinho made light of his side's chances of glory, claiming they were still a 'little horse' and that their time had not yet come. Well, going by their transfer business so far this summer, that 'little horse' looks well fed and primed for battle on all fronts. Truth be told, the Portuguese tactician could well be sitting on the most complete Chelsea squad he has ever had. As other big names have found out though, whatever you may do during the season, at Chelsea, only one line counts and that is the bottomline. As such, he can ill-afford another trophyless season and if he fails to deliver the goods with this squad the knives could be out again. For, as experience tells us, for Abramovich, there are no permanent enemies and certainly no permanent friends.

Written By,

Mrunal Nakashe

Mrunal writes for the Sports and Current Affairs columns for The Daily Mint and has previously written for Goal.com India and Starsports India. He now contributes to 18 Yard Box.

Follow Mrunal on Twitter @MrunalNakashe1 

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Premier League 2014/15 Season Previews

For all our readers, who have missed out on our Premier League Season Previews, here is a chance for you to take a look at all the clubs. Just click on the pictures to take you to the respective clubs' Preview.

Arsenal

Chelsea

Liverpool

Manchester United

Manchester City

Compiled By,
Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for Starsports India and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter @rish2610

Follow Us on Twitter @18YB06 and Facebook

Want to write for us? Have ideas for us? Mail us at 18yardbox06@gmail.com. 

2014/15 Season Preview: Chelsea

The Premier League is getting ever closer to kicking off and 18 Yard Box finishes its previews by looking at the Blue side of London. 

The blue half of London will remember the 2013-14 season with one word to succinctly describe it: almost. They almost won the League title, they almost made it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and they were almost the finalists of the UEFA Champions League. What these perceived failures obscure, however, is the fact that the Stamford Bridge favourite, the tactical master Jose Mourinho, was taking over a side mired deep in fan-trouble. He took over from the heavily scorned Rafa Benitez, renewing an old bond with the stands and filled the supporters with hopes towards the fulfilment of expectations they had from their team.

2013-14 Season review

The Special One had a mixed bag season

While the forward triumvirate - Demba Ba, ‘old man’ Samuel Eto’o and the still misfiring Fernando Torres- failed to work any magic, the magical Eden Hazard left all and sundry mesmerised with his skills. With the typical belligerence of the back four, the Pensioners looked on course to a season of glory, displaying a proclivity towards falling short at the last hurdle. The mid-season sale of Juan Mata laid the heavy onus of creativity to sustain their challenge across various competitions on the Belgian with Willian and Oscar chipping in. In spite of the situations, the Blues recorded record decimations of London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, to end the season on 82 points, albeit empty-handed.

Transfer dealings

In 

Diego Costa  and Felipe Luis (Atletico Madrid  £32m and £20m respectively), Francesco Fabregas (FC Barcelona, £30m), Dider Drogba (Galatasary, free)

Out

Samuel Eto’o, Henrique Hilario, Frank Lampard, Milan Lalkovic, Daniel Pappoe (Released); David Luiz (PSG, £40m); Demba Ba (Besiktas, £8m), Cristian Cuevas (PSV Eindhoven, Loan expiry), Ashley Cole (AS Roma, free)

Loaned out

Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Monchengladbach), Sam Hutchinson (Sheffield Wednesday), Tomas Kalas (Cologne), Bernard Traore and Wallace (Vitesse Arnheim)

Mario Palisic was acquired from Hajduk Split and was loaned of to Elche in Spain.

Style of play

If last season was about consolidation, expect Mourinho to amp up Chelsea’s style quotient (a bit). The Chelsea midfield left with a gaping Frank Lampard shaped hole- more in terms of influence this past year- has been assuaged to an extent with the signing of Fabregas who will add much more in the attacking third. While his history as an ex-Arsenal player and vocal supporter of the North Londoners might be an ice slab for some supporters, there is no denying the immense quality, a windfall borne out of the Catalans’ foolishness and Arsenal’s inability to afford him a starting place. What he lacks in pace, he fills up with his vision, creativity and sheer footballing intelligence. Diego Costa’s acquisition was but an open secret. Together with Hazard, Oscar and co., this Spanish duo could wreak havoc in the League and on the Continent.  Mourinho, who prefers a counter-attacking game won’t abandon it for sure. He has made peach attacking signings with considerable expertise in the area, with Costa’s old team Atletico Madrid almost mirroring the style of play. Fabregas too has some experience of the kind under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger who frugally, but efficiently mixed the same with his version of passing play. With such signings, Mourinho could be seen opting for a more attacking brand of football rather than the blande one which he has so far opted at Chelsea. A team built around players who can provide quick, sharp passes alongwith an outlet of quick counter attacks could see the Chelsea side to play some exciting brand of football.

Mourinho's last season's tactics (image courtsey: Guardian)

At the back Felipe Luis was an obvious replacement for Ashley Cole, with Thibaut Curtois making a much vaunted return from his loan spell at Atletico. The signing of the left-back means that Azpelicueta could now ply his trade down the right where he is comfortable too, with Branislav Ivanovic moving in to partner Gary Cahill. John Terry, though a big name, could find his age an obstacle to sustained first-team appearances.

Another signing which has come much to surprise and delight of the Chelsea fans is the acquistion of the club legend Dider Drogba. While certainly not the best transfer Chelsea have done so far, there is a certain enigma attached to the special relation the Ivorian shares with the Chelsea faithfuls. Never mind the minutes Mourinho gives Drogba on the pitch, this move, a continuation of his plan to recapture the fans, will resonate through and galvanize an already strong team. He will provided the much needed experience and also provide Chelsea with a plan B of 'thump it forward and score".

Expectations this season

This season, the Chelsea squad is well-balanced in terms of age and quality. While all rivals across the League have strengthened considerably, this season certainly sees Chelsea, on paper as the fore-runners to the title. Expect another semi-final appearance in the UCL, at the very least, with at least some measure of success in the domestic Cup competitions.

Players to watch out for

1. Eden Hazard

The Belgian magician would look to weave his magic once again

This man drove Chelsea last season, and blues fan will expect nothing less again. His skills with the ball coupled with his link up play would provide Chelsea with threat from the flanks. Not only good with his feet, Hazard carries an excellent vision which sees him pull of some magical passes and earn himself a plethora of assists.

2. Francesc Fabregas

Fabregas wll have to win the hearts of the Chelsea supporters

Fabregas is one with a point to prove to his two old teams. With no time required for acclimatisation, he can be expected to hit the ground running. His vision and his eye for surgeon-like incisive pass makes him a dangerous acquistion. He would be looking to hit the ground running.

3. Diego Costa 

Have Chelsea found an answer to their striking woes?

Diego Costa comes with a proven record as a goal-scorer in the La Liga, to revive a sagging strike-force. He however will have to contend with the vagaries of  a first season in a new league. Competing with the Chelsea legend Drogba wont be easy and Costa will have to perform consistently to guaranty himself a place in the starting XI. His goal poaching abilities is what the Blues would look to exploit.

Written By,

Abhishek Karandikar

Abhishek is a writer/contributor for 18 Yard Box.

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