DBasia.news – Chelsea FC coach Frank Lampard admitted the defense is still the main problem of his team at this time. Up to nine times in just four Premier League matches prove the fragility of the Blues defense.
Latest, Chelsea detained his guest, Sheffield United, 2-2, at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (31/8) then. At that time, Chelsea was two goals ahead thanks to the action of Tammy Abraham who could be equated with Sheffield.
That means, not even once has Chelsea kept a clean sheet in five matches in all competitions this season.
Including, when holding Liverpool 2-2 at the 2019 European Super Cup. Various questions also approached Lampard related to the vulnerability of the defense sector. Is this the result of an individual’s appearance or his tactics have failed to be implemented by players.
Yes, Lampard tends to rely on patterns 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. The 41-year-old is too close to attacking with a focus on transition and high pressure. That strategy confirmed Chelsea’s current Passed Per Defensive Action (PPDA) figures last season.
In the measurement of PPDA, it can be seen how often the team presses by measuring how many opponents pass before defensive action is taken to get the ball. Last season, Chelsea’s PPDA averaged 10, for the time being down to 8.4.
Regarding the selection of players, Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen are the most reliable in the heart of the defense. That is due to the departure of David Luiz to Arsenal and Antonio Rudiger is still injured. Zouma’s still awkward with Christensen as the middle pair plus Lampard’s new strategy makes them lose concentration.
That is why, all elements of Chelsea enthusiastically welcomed the return of Rudiger, which is likely to end after a two-week competition break related to the international agenda. Rudiger’s presence is a breath of fresh air for the Blues defense. At the same time, making one of Christensen or Zouma flung onto the bench.
Also, Lampard can hope to N’Golo Kante in front of the defense. The Frenchman has missed the last two matches in the Premier League. His position was replaced by Jorginho who unfortunately hasn’t found the best performance like last season. This Italian midfielder does not have the physical, stamina and speed to cover an opponent’s attack.
The return of Kante who is identical as a defensive midfielder will protect the back row. Yes, the existence of Kante and Rudiger is not a guarantee Chelsea goal will not be broken. However, their presence will calm other players, especially in the back sector.
The impact, the movement of the ball forward more smoothly. Strong defense makes a sense of comfort between players. After that, the front row’s turn is in charge of breaking into the opponent’s goal. The possibility was presented after a two-week competition break. Chelsea will travel to Wolverhampton headquarters on September 14.