Chelsea still have an Eden Hazard-sized hole in the squad when it comes to getting past parked buses. They need a world-class player, but that does not mean they should abandon the long-term project.
Chelsea’s inability to break down teams that sit behind the ball may well be collateral damage from playing “the kids.” Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi have done fantastically well in their breakthrough season. Finally, we can all look at Cobham as a proving ground for players who will actually make the starting XI at our club. However, they’re not Eden Hazard…yet.
Hazard was a get-out-of-jail-free card for every manager he played under. He was truly world-class and, at the moment, that is what Frank Lampard needs in his team.
Of course, the transfer embargo that forced the club’s hand in terms of personnel has played a big part in the development of “the yoof” this season, and long may that continue. However, the club do need to find someone who can open up teams, that, let’s say, park the bus.
Back in the day, during Jose Mourinho’s two stints at the club, bus parking was frowned upon by our friends in the media. It was negative anti-football.
For teams playing against Chelsea, though, it was absolutely fine. Following yesterday’s defeat up at Newcastle, that still holds true. Fans of Newcastle and many others will argue it’s all about the result and, of course, they are right, unless you’re Chelsea.
Time and again this season we’ve seen Lampard’s Chelsea struggle against what has been tagged on social media as the “low block.” It’s in these games that the tricky Belgian, now plying his trade in Madrid, is missed. Meanwhile, “sources” tell us Willian is in negotiation with the club over a new contract. I won’t have a word said against what the Brazilian has achieved at the club. He’s been a fantastic squad player and, at times, outstanding.
However, he is not the answer to the club’s current issues in breaking teams down. In more open games, against teams wanting to attack, he has more time and space to create and score. In those games, he’s at his most comfortable. That’s not the case when it comes to overcoming a stubborn wall of men, though.
With Christian Pulisic out for a while, it’s not just reinforcements Chelsea need. They must find someone who can work their magic in attack.
There’s little point in speculating about who that may be, because we simply don’t know. We do know that the January window may not be the best time to buy. Hopefully, the club have learnt that lesson from seasons past. It may be better to hold off on buying anyone until the summer, when the market is more evenly balanced between buyer and seller. Chelsea don’t need panic buys right now.
The good news for Chelsea, as a club looking for Champions League football, is that their suitors for a top four spot are also inconsistent in terms of results.
It shows the competitive nature of the Premier League. There are no easy games. London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have changed managers midseason and are in transition as a result. Manchester United have the makings of a good team, but their manager is still barely out of probation.
Under Frank Lampard and Jody Morris, Chelsea have a clear direction and, by playing “the kids” they are playing to their own managerial strengths.
Moving forward that may prove to be the clubs best option. Management and players can develop organically as a group. As fans and supporters we may have suffer short term pain for long term gain but all things considered it’s all we’ve ever dreamt of.