Gary Cahill

[Pacquiao 1,834]

The only problem is Cahill isn't an aggressive player and one who backs off when a player is running at him. It's been his style for ages. He isn't going to turn into Matic of sorts and start becoming proactive all of a sudden. Not to mention, he's only good at blocking shots when the opposition is like 6 yards from the goal. Otherwise, any player can block shots from distance.

I know Cahill isnt aggressive, but he needs to be and i believe with him knowing he has Zouma and Terry playing behind him he will be more aggressive. and yes any player can block a shot but not many can do it consistently like Cahill does

[Jase 43,479]

I know Cahill isnt aggressive, but he needs to be and i believe with him knowing he has Zouma and Terry playing behind him he will be more aggressive. and yes any player can block a shot but not many can do it consistently like Cahill does

Easy to say he needs to be aggressive when his natural game is to be reactive. It's almost impossible to change that, especially in such short space of time, when he has been playing that way for 5-10 years. Cahill consistent in blocking shots? Yeah...he only does that when the opposition is just few yards away from the goalkeeper and the target. Otherwise, he's almost useless in that aspect anywhere else.

[lucio 5,418]

Easy to say he needs to be aggressive when his natural game is to be reactive. It's almost impossible to change that, especially in such short space of time, when he has been playing that way for 5-10 years. Cahill consistent in blocking shots? Yeah...he only does that when the opposition is just few yards away from the goalkeeper and the target. Otherwise, he's almost useless in that aspect anywhere else.

Cahills long range blocks have a dangerous tendency to deflect on target. No reason to play him there at all.

[Pacquiao 1,834]

Easy to say he needs to be aggressive when his natural game is to be reactive. It's almost impossible to change that, especially in such short space of time, when he has been playing that way for 5-10 years. Cahill consistent in blocking shots? Yeah...he only does that when the opposition is just few yards away from the goalkeeper and the target. Otherwise, he's almost useless in that aspect anywhere else.

his natural game at CB yes, but we are talking about at DM, he will know he can take more chances at DM as he will have cover behind him.

[DYC. 7,542]

Cahill at DM would be terrible. A player with his level of technique has no place in midfeld. The slightest bit of pressure is enough to make him lose his composure. It was the same when he played Pepe in midfield, it had such a negative effect on their play on the ball.

And defending in midfield is a completely different game. Cahill is the ultimate example of a penalty box defender. And he does not possess the speed, stamina and aggression to make up for poor positioning and decision-making (David Luiz did, Pepe did).

Azpilicueta or Luis would be much better options imo, since Ake does not seem to be an option (who knows though). They might not be big and strong, but that's not necessary against Spurs' midfield.

[Jase 43,479]

his natural game at CB yes, but we are talking about at DM, he will know he can take more chances at DM as he will have cover behind him.

So? It's still a defensive position and regardless of whether it's at CB or DM, Cahill is still a reactive player and when you've been playing in such manner for years, you're not going to able to turn into the opposite kind of player overnight.

Easy to say Cahill needs to do this, he can do that but does he even have the know-how to do a decent job in DM in a big game when he hasn't even always been reliable in his natural position at CB? DYC above certainly pointed out the issues well of playing him in DM.

[kellzfresh 7,229]

Just play Ake in midfield and avoid a player who will back of opponents and hoof the ball in the sky when tottenham surely presses him

[didierforever 7,349]

i have always defended GC, and i still feel that he form had a lot to do with the amount of football he had had to play since last season.

but i have got to say that playing GC in mid is one of the poorest ideas i have heard. he does not have the pace to play the way we want to play, i dont think he has the technique to play that role. i mean GC on the ball trying to spread the play will be SHIT (its a foregone conclusion), slow, ponderous with no penetration.

hope jose does not make this mistake.

[The Skipper 20,593]

I like the thought of Cahill at DM, as long as he is agressive in there and doesnt back off, he is pretty mobile for a big guy, he will put himself about and is good at blocking shots, and Spuds have quite a few players like Kane, Eriksen, Mason and Bentaleb who like shooting from distance, but i feel he needs Cesc to be close to him as Cahill isnt a great passer so he needs players like Cesc near him to play those simple passes into them.

That's like saying, "I like the thought of Courtois as a striker as long as he doesn't try to catch balls or prevent the opposition from scoring".

[Pacquiao 1,834]

That's like saying, "I like the thought of Courtois as a striker as long as he doesn't try to catch balls or prevent the opposition from scoring".

no it isnt.

[Jase 43,479]

Just play Ake in midfield and avoid a player who will back of opponents and hoof the ball in the sky when tottenham surely presses him

If only Mourinho trusts Ake.....

[Blue Armour 4,292]

Just play Ake in midfield and avoid a player who will back of opponents and hoof the ball in the sky when tottenham surely presses him

Tbf, I think Cahill's tendency to back off will be reduced in midfield, seeing as he knows that he will not be the last line of defence.

DESPITE that, we cannot afford to have someone who has poor ball retention and passing in the middle of the park.

[kellzfresh 7,229]

If only Mourinho trusts Ake.....

And I think he's a very good tackler. But has a tendency to go into every one and over do it though

Tbf, I think Cahill's tendency to back off will be reduced in midfield, seeing as he knows that he will not be the last line of defence.

DESPITE that, we cannot afford to have someone who has poor ball retention and passing in the middle of the park.

But I'm not still sure if he can intercept a ball or attack a player head on and win the tackle.

Tottenham press like us last season. Anyone who can't pass or retain possession in the midfield will kill our gameplay.

[Reddish-Blue 2,348]

no it isnt.

Yes it is...if you truly believe that Chelsea would benefit from playing an out of form CB at the defensive midfield position, then there is something wrong with you

[Styles 9,790]

I hope Gary Cahill is left-back today.

Left back in the locker room.

I'll get my coat.

[-Kaplan- 410]

I hope Gary Cahill is left-back today.

Left back in the locker room.

I'll get my coat.

Cahill isn't world class, but shit...you would think this guy murdered someone by what the comments say. No one complained at the Allianz did they?

[Jase 43,479]

Imagine if Cahill starts today and scores the winner...

[lionsden 4,689]

Cahill in midfield. Are ake,ramires, and fabregas et al that bad. This is insane. There are plenty of options I had consider in dm for this match before cahill and that includes willian and oscar. The only way this makes any sense is if we have major major injury crisis and no other option