BlueLion.

In answer to this topic in a really blunt fashion: we are playing 4-2-3-1 because Benitez is a clueless prick who is too scared to change his system. With the players we have, we should be playing 4-1-4-1, in my opinion. Granted it would be a narrow midfield as Mata and Hazard like to play centrally, but that is no real change as our natural width is supplied by the full-backs. Essentially this is the same system we played under Ancelotti, but with an obvious change in personnel. Under Carlo the wide players offered more width which explains why we were then a better side offensively. However, it is the same principle: Under Ancelotti: Cech Belletti/Ivanovic - Carvalho/Alex - Terry - Cole/Zhirkov Mikel/Essien Kalou/Joe Cole/Anelka - Essien/Joe Cole - Lampard/Ballack - Malouda/Zhirkov Drogba/Anelka Under Benitez: Cech Dave/Ivanovic - Cahill/Ivanovic - Terry/Luiz - Cole/Bertrand Luiz/Mikel Hazard/Moses - Lampard/Oscar - Ramires - Mata/Bertrand Ba/Torres When you consider the change since 2009, player-for-player, there isn't that much difference, besides the new 'wide' players being narrower. Essentially you can almost see it as a diamond: Mikel - Ramires Hazard - Mata Lampard The ability to switch between a flat-back midfield four with Mikel deeper, playing a five-man diamond, or even pushing the wingers up on into a 4-3-3 enables versatility. It makes sense, Rafa.

Claude Makelele is the greatest defensive midfielder of all time and all he did was pass sideways. The players you are referring to - Busquets, Alonso - they are not defensive midfielders. Alonso is a deep-lying playmaker and Busquets is at the rear of the double pivot alongside Xavi, with the two alternating. Barcelona almost have a triple pivot in essence, with Fabregas or Iniesta then rotating with the double pivot positions. And as for your argument saying Mikel isn't a very good passer, you clearly don't watch him. His ability to play weighted long balls into the channels is one of our best counter-attacking tools yet he is not able to use it since we don't use natural wingers. Go back to the Ancelotti era and watch games where Anelka and Malouda operated out wide and you'll see my point. Either way, you're getting things mixed up a little.

He has looked a lot more mobile since going to Madrid; playing regularly has done well for his stamina and fitness. Mourinho has been playing him at LB and RB more often than not, and that would offer further cover for Cole and Azpi if needed. Just don't see the sense in us paying his wages and him be playing regularly for the Spanish champions instead.

Hazard's finishing has always been mediocre. He is not the clinical finisher that Lampard is, nor even near as good as someone like Mata or Ramires, actually. He is often afraid to shoot and very, very rarely shoots from distance even when there is an opening. It relates back to his early time at Lille when he was heavily criticised for his selfishness.

I am happy he's been left to his own devices in Spain. It means there is no pressure on him, whereas if we were constantly keeping tabs of him by going to watch his games he would be under a lot of indirect pressure and scrutiny. Its a wise decision just to let him play and develop, and then in 2 years time finally arrive at the club.

Thank fuck, I'm not the only one with eyes! Excellent post. Mikel's importance to this team is so painstakingly obvious but people choose to ignore it anyway. Excellent post indeed. His maturity and discipline are absolutely pivotal to the way we play. It means that Lampard can bomb forward like he wanted to on Wednesday but without leaving massive gaps. JOM12 plugs them instantly. He is incredibly tactically astute and even if he is a little rash at times, in general his defensive discipline is unparalleled in the EPL.

It is commonplace in Spain for many supporters to crowd the stadium - even for minor signings - to show their support and welcome them to the club. It's a very nice gesture, in my opinion. Best of luck, Lucas!

I quite like LA Galaxy's kits, so one with LAMPARD on the back wouldn't look too bad. It's a shame though - his name looks far better on Chelsea blue.

We could actually do with him back. Without Mikel and Oriol we have no midfield steel at all.

We should recall Essien while we've got the chance.

John, get the fuck back now.

Amazing to see how Shaw is streets ahead of Bertrand and is six years younger...

Wow... Lampard was our best player yesterday but because we can't scapegoat Torres and pinning all the blame on Rafa is unfashionable, it is this legend's time to feel the wrath of the TalkChelsea crowd. Sorry Frank, they know not what they say.

People blaming Torres for last night are idiots, I'd like to add. He wasn't on the pitch when two defensive mistakes cost us victory.

Even under Scolari there was belief. I remember that Stoke match like it was yesterday, we all knew we'd battle and earn the win because we tended to do that. It isn't entirely Rafa's fault that we're in the situation we now are in, but in my view he has to take the blame for yesterday. What the fuck did he say to those players at half-time?!

Glad to see a striker do something out of nothing... without sounding like I'm hopping on the bandwagon needlessly, I genuinely think if Torres'd have started, we'd have lost.

I've merged the Rafa Out and The Benitez Thread together as we don't need two topics discussing the absolute same thing.

I want him gone as much as the next person... but is there really anyone better we can get right now? As far as I'm concerned, who the fuck would want to manage this shambles of a club? If you want to blame anyone, blame Roman and his 'advisors'.

Can't just blame Torres for this, he wasn't on when we fucked up a two-goal lead.

Rafa out. All I have to say.

Did this need a new topic?

I'd rather us play Oscar up front (genuinely think he'd do a decent job, in fairness) for this one and rest Ba. Torres can join FloMo in the U21s.

I'd recommend a goalkeeper as well.

If he wants to play at his actual level, I can suggest either Reading or Leyton Orient.

Don't be fooled by negative presuppositions... Person B is attacking the reasoning; Person C is attacking the person.