No.10 Role

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

Mata is clearly the best.

Oscar should play in the Pivot imo.

EDIT: Also tbh, i couldn't care less at mata's so called "defensive inability". He is playing behind the striker. We have 6 other players who have a strong focus on protecting whats coming towards us. Mata is better in an attacking sense at no.10 right now. Oscar is great, and may be better there shortly. But right now there is no question.

Defensive positioning does matter, even at the #10. One of the main reasons our midfield was swamped last season was our attacking midfielders not tracking back. In the centre, Oscar's defensive ability allows Lampard and Ramires to go forward and they are probably our best two finishers overall. Mata there means that if they venture forward at all, we are extremely vulnerable. That said, Mata would be my choice too. We need the creativity more than we need the defensive work-rate.

[SeB 1,281]

Defensive positioning does matter, even at the #10. One of the main reasons our midfield was swamped last season was our attacking midfielders not tracking back. In the centre, Oscar's defensive ability allows Lampard and Ramires to go forward and they are probably our best two finishers overall. Mata there means that if they venture forward at all, we are extremely vulnerable. That said, Mata would be my choice too. We need the creativity more than we need the defensive work-rate.

Depends on the context to be fair. We'll face teams that will simply give the ball away and park the bus, against which we'll need penetration... So then Mata is more suited to a central position.

In case the opponent manages to pass the ball several times on the row, can press, can fall back to hit us on the counter, has deep players able to be a launching pad (Carrick, Westwood...) & launch attacks... so then Oscar is more suited

[Tomo 21,751]

One thing i have learned this season beyond any doubt, is that there is far too much putting player before club going on.

[Hutcho 8,443]

Defensive positioning does matter, even at the #10. One of the main reasons our midfield was swamped last season was our attacking midfielders not tracking back. In the centre, Oscar's defensive ability allows Lampard and Ramires to go forward and they are probably our best two finishers overall. Mata there means that if they venture forward at all, we are extremely vulnerable. That said, Mata would be my choice too. We need the creativity more than we need the defensive work-rate.

Ok. I over reacted a bit. But hearing the main reasoning for why it should be oscar over mata is because of defensive workrate, is way off. Its not like mata doesn't bother. And there are far more important things for the CAM to posess than their defensive workrate.

And i think the pressure on our pivot is partly caused by us not having a good one, rather than it being the players in front fault. Ofc if someone helps them out it makes their job easier, but its not like they are amazing themselves anyway.

[Jase 43,479]

imo, Oscar's been decent. Scored goals, worked hard, pre-season with Brazil, etc. He's got into Jose's good books, which would make it harder for someone to easily overthrow him. After his performance against Swindon and Tottenham, Juan's sent a strong message about how he can offer creativity in abundance and also the x factor Oscar won't able to. For all the defensive work-rate the Brazilian can provide, Mata gives something to the team that he won't be able to.

Even though Steaua Bucharest are minnows in the group, they're still a tough European side to beat. If Juan can perform well, i.e. create chances, maybe score and work along with his team-mates as a unit, Jose will have a dilemma. He'll have to choose either defensive stability in attack or an all out option of having someone who can help others score left, right and center. If Juan doesn't perform well, I see him going back to the bench and Oscar retain that coveted spot. Small mistakes have huge costs in a team that has so much depth.

I see your point but think it's stretching it to say it's make or break for Mata based on 1 game against Steaua. And it's not like the others are exactly doing that well at the moment.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

I see your point but think it's stretching it to say it's make or break for Mata based on 1 game against Steaua. And it's not like the others are exactly doing that well at the moment.

my bad, might have exaggerated a little bit by using that phrase.

[meetdoscar 335]

The way I see it. You are not very effective in convincing me in your reasoning. Therefore, I thank you for your enjoyable chat & let´s leave it at that.

Well i wasn't trying to convince you anyway because i am not mourinho but i just discussed facts as to why mourinho might have preferred oscar based on his own actions and statements towards oscar and mata. But you sounded very unconvincing yourself if you were attempting to be otherwise because aside from telling me or making it look like since a few pages back the gap in creativity between mata and oscar is like that between arbeloa and Cr7 and sounding like the most creativity to come from chelsea squad should be No. 10 not minding the lack of it from the 3 more advanced attacking positions in front of the no. 10 yeah let's leave it at that but then you are anti-mourinho aren't you so whatever decisions he makes is debatable by you not excluding oscar as his preferred no.10 and please remain a gentleman as always if you care to reply.

[bushman 2,043]

Well i wasn't trying to convince you anyway because i am not mourinho but i just discussed facts as to why mourinho might have preferred oscar based on his own actions and statements towards oscar and mata. But you sounded very unconvincing yourself if you were attempting to be otherwise because aside from telling me or making it look like since a few pages back the gap in creativity between mata and oscar is like that between arbeloa and Cr7 and sounding like the most creativity to come from chelsea squad should be No. 10 not minding the lack of it from the 3 more advanced attacking positions in front of the no. 10 yeah let's leave it at that but then you are anti-mourinho aren't you so whatever decisions he makes is debatable by you not excluding oscar as his preferred no.10 and please remain a gentleman as always if you care to reply.

As far I am concerned, I was always a gentleman. I do not insult people here & I value your opinion, immensely.

I just believe Mata is better suited for No 10, that´s all. The proof was seen in recent games.

[meetdoscar 335]

This is a rebellious thread in my mind and only came about when mourinho said oscar is his preferred no. 10 I've made my points as to why I think mourinho prefers oscar to juan not trying to discredit juan intentionally but in a debate there will always be pros and cons, and based on the view from the choice of the coach this thread rather seems like Juan mata no.10 vs Mourinho, but I could also make points why benitez chose juan over oscar as no. 10 while also seemingly showing unavoidable discredit to oscar but mourinho is coach now and not benitez there doesn't seem to be much point to it anymore ill just watch and see what happens and hope that whatever happens makes chelsea a better team but whatever posts i disagree or agree with and i feel i have valid points to contribute i will and this is one as it goes contrary to the coaches decision as to where mata and oscar should both play when in the team.

However i think this might definitely turn out to be a long debate and answers shall come over the course of the season.

[Korea 734]

Both played well today...

However, I don't think we can play Hazard-Mata-Oscar together.. (big game wise).

[The_Flash 1,144]

Oscar played terrible today for whatever reason and should have been subbed earlier, he gave the ball away many times and bit more effort coups have caught many balls that went out.

Mata was strong and I really thought was going to get a goal.

On a good day they can both play and well.

[Korea 734]

Oscar played terrible today for whatever reason and should have been subbed earlier, he gave the ball away many times and bit more effort coups have caught many balls that went out.

Mata was strong and I really thought was going to get a goal.

On a good day they can both play and well.

Oscar played really well in the second half....

He got 1 assist to Rambo and would of had another had Mata scored...IN the first half though, it was mehh (good and bad).

[The_Flash 1,144]

I disagree he was poor, he gave away any balls, could have caught a few balls he let go out. I really like him bit today he was poor.

[Sidzeret 2,257]

Both had nice games today.

I reckon Mata outplayed Oscar for the sake of the thread. :-)

[didierforever 7,349]

this thread needs to be dissolved. its pretty clear CFC plays its best football with both on the field. add an in form hazard and we have magic. so like today i hope to see mata-oscar exchanging position, like mata started as no.10 , then after 15 or so minutes went wide with oscar getting a chance. and that is what should be happening.