Anthony Martial showed he is the man Chelsea needs to compete

Anthony Martial has been mostly left out in the cold by Jose Mourinho. But he showed yesterday that he is the man Chelsea needs to compete.

Chelsea’s match against Manchester United exposed a few lingering issues. The defense needs a defense first centerback to anchor things. The ball still needs to be played faster through midfield. And the Blues go completely flat once they reach the final third with any resistance.

Two of those issues (defense and the final third play) were highlighted intensely by Anthony Martial. The Frenchman scored both of Manchester United’s goals and while Chelsea’s defense could have done much better on both, it is hard to ignore Martial’s role in both.

Martial showed that he is the player Chelsea needs. Though he is back into the starting lineup for Jose Mourinho now, it is hard to tell how long that will last given Mourinho’s history with the player. Reports of Martial signing a new contract are mixed and largely dependent on Mourinho’s future. But if Martial becomes available, the Blues need to go all out for him.

Chelsea’s flat play in the final third usually has one culprit: the striker. Neither Alvaro Morata nor Oliver Giroud is doing enough right now. They simply are not moving or acting in ways that helps the attack. That is why when the ball reaches the final third, the team is overly reliant on Eden Hazard making something happen.

Martial is tailor made for Sarrismo. He has not played as a striker since leaving Monaco, but it is his natural position. The reason he has often been used on the wing for Manchester United is the same reason Juventus often use Mario Mandzukic wide. They naturally cut in at the right moments to poach the ball for a goal.

Martial, if he were to join Chelsea, should line up as the striker. He and Eden Hazard could easily rotate during open play depending on how the move develops. This could give Chelsea more flexibility and unpredictability in the final third.

The frustrating part of the situation is that Martial was likely attainable in the summer. Willian was heavily linked to a move to Manchester United with Martial potentially going the other way. The United staff did not want to lose Martial, but a swap (with cash) could have been orchestrated if Chelsea was keen enough.

Regardless, if Chelsea starts sounding out Martial now as contract talks are ongoing, they could potentially have the Frenchman in January or next summer. It is becoming more and more clear that Morata and Giroud simply are not going to cut it. Martial could given his style.

It would be a coup for Chelsea. One that could have happened with Alexis Sanchez last season (he is really a bad fit for Mourinho’s United). If Chelsea can pull off a transfer (or free contract) for Martial, then the squad will be greatly improved. He fills a clear need for Maurizio Sarri’s side and would give the side the missing piece needed to compete.