DYC.

What players aged 23 or younger would make your team? Interested to see people's choices and aesthetics in terms of team selections. Possibly get to know about new players too. Courtois Aurier Mustafi Varane Alaba Verratti Neves Pogba Dybala Kane Neymar Areola; Giménez, Bellerín; Koke, Isco; Fekir, Martial Special mentions to Shaw, Weigl, Goretzka, Barkley, Sané, Vietto.

Exactly. His role was different though. He played left midfield, with a holding midfielder in the middle and with another player in right midfield. Benfica would play either 4-3-1-2 or 4-5-1 wiith three centre midfielders and two wide midfielders, Jorge Jesus' favourite systems. Matic was the aggressor. The physical presence. He would harry, press, tackle (standing tackle, not sliding tackle, for the most part), intercept. High up or deep in midfield. Classic play: opposition has the ball, a player is carrying the ball, the holding midfielder maintains position and contains, Matic comes in like a wrecking ball, tackles and wins the ball and initiates the transition from defence to attack. If there is one thing I love about Matic, it's how he always wants to play the ball forward. Or Matic gets forward, presses very early and high up and wins the ball. He would get up and down the pitch, the player to cover the most ground. He would carry the ball forward. Also move into advanced positions to provide a passing option and drag players out of position. And he would pop a powerful shot at goal from time to time, get a couple of goals. Freedom because there was cover. We know that role. Essien was that man for Chelsea for years and there was no one better at the time. Imagine Essien and Lampard in front of defence. It would work at times but never long-term. It's not their game. I think the same applies to Matic.

I agree. But the Jan window isn't the time for long-term signings. In Chelsea's current situation, I think a player like Schneiderlin would come in handy because in every game the midfield zone has become a battle. Cesc isn't good enough to take control of midfield and if you can't outplay your opponent, you have to overpower them. A strong defensive base allowing the attacking players and fullbacks more freedom is our best bet at the moment I think. I prefer a three-man midfield myself. But in a double pivot, I somewhat agree with you. Though Matic is not what you call 'a pure DM' for me, he doesn't suit the role imo. A creative CM to use in a double pivot is so hard to find. Gundogan is completely unrealistic. I thought Bayern's double pivot of Schweinsteiger and Martinez in 12/13 was brilliant. Not the most technically gifted but very powerful.

I remember Schneiderlin saying he wanted to join where he would play and it had to be a CL team. He got his half or 3/4 of his wish I guess. Van Gaal has no problem dropping him for the big games. Yes, the power. I miss that in this midfield.

I doubt it too. But I'd take Schneiderlin and Wanyama in the winter if the opportunity was there. And a fullback.

Happy for Koeman. Good coach, he deserved this. Arsenal deserve this too.

True. But he would still beat most people he'd face in midfield and that's all that mattered. I don't even know what the point of this is. What are we talking about? He's been poor and it's his own fault.

It was never a problem before. He'd win most of his aerial duels anyway because of his height (I was only half-joking).

He's tall. It commands respect. He'd get ripped to shreds if he was 7 inches shorter.

Are you guys for real?

Dortmund's resurgence after their distastrous season gives me hope. It's the same group of players for the most part, just one new player in the starting XI, but they're so much better this season. Some clever buys, some changes in the system, getting rid of some of the deadwood. I doubt Chelsea will be up there challenging for the title next season but a top 4 contender. I hope.

It's like when Essien would playing holding midfield. He can't handle the restrictions and doesn't posses the tactical intelligence to play there. Nowadays holding midfielders are the players who provide intelligent passing and positioning at the base of midfield as well, starting up attacks. Think Busquets, Alonso, Motta etc. Matic is not that player. For me he's a CM, on the left of a three man midfield. Like Essien on the right in the past or the like the likes of Nainggolan, Vidal, Rakitic, Matuidi etc. today.

Please, please drop the Matic-Fabregas pairing. I know you're new, Guus, but it doesn't work. Hasn't worked all year. Hiddink loves 4-3-3. Try Oscar and Willian in proper midfield roles, Matic/Mikel holding midfield with Pedro and Hazard on the wings. There's no future in the Ivanovic&Azpilicueta either. Try to get the best out of Baba. Sigh.

Comparisons with the likes of Busquets were always too much for me. But I don't know. Looking at his performances in 2014 and 2015... there's just such a contrast for me. Is 2014 Matic the real Matic or is 2015 the real one? I really don't know. I'm not ready to write him off though. But I still don't think he's a true holding midfielder.

His handball was Fabregas' fault. He has a habit for these strange mistakes, doesn't he?

Fair play to Mikel. I wouldn't go as far as saying his introduction completely changed it. Chelsea were all over Watford for most part of the first half and only lost control towards the end. But he did well.

From a hero to a zero. Football's a funny game.

Motivation is a very stupid word. Not surprised by the result at all but points dropped today for me. This game should've been won. Let the blame game begin. Terry should have some nice words for Oscar.

Well, he hasn't lost yet. He still has some of that famous luck. He's so old. He kind of looks like the maintenance man. The difference between him and Flores was striking. Good ol' grandpa Gus. The prospect of beating Van Gaal should bring the best out of him. He'll do it.

Thought so. Team is a shambles. Can't even count on Hazard to convert a penalty. You could bet your house on that in a past not too long ago.

Did he score? I don't remember that game, bar the losing part.

A wild guess. Before the game, it was decided Oscar takes the first penalty. Does anyone remember whether Hazard failed to convert his last pen? I vaguely remember him missing but I'm not sure

Hahahaha. Sell him.

They're both slow pokes with the agression level of an army of puppies. Both passed by with complete ease. Both can't track players. But say what you want about Cesc, he's twice the player Mikel is on the ball, who offers nothing. Mikel's superior defensive positioning is too little of an advantage to play him imo. I'm sorry but Mikel is so incredibly average. Cesc is pretty decent as a player right now. Thank you, Diego. Come on. Have to win this.

No. Mikel for Fabregas was bizarre sub. Even worse now because of the Ighalo goal. This season is a joke.