Nemanja Matic

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

It's funny cos it's true.

He definitely does have stamina issues though. Even at Benfica I think he got subbed off a lot before full time, at least in the games I saw of him. If anyone remembers the EL final, I really do think part of the reason why we grew into the game in the 2nd half is largely because Matic ran out of steam whereas in the first half he was a force.

So Mourinho might want to consider subbing him off around the 70th min mark especially in away trips. Or even putting in an extra man so we don't get overrun in midfield. He was struggling really badly towards the end of the match and getting bypassed way too easily.

Still a beast tho.

http://www.transfermarkt.com/en/nemanja-matic/profil/spieler_74683.html

According to this, he played almost every second second for Benifica this season. No stamina issues, he's not Ozil. I think against West Brom, we had played like 3 days before (many of our boys looked tired in that match) and again today, the reason was obvious. He had to put in a double shift after the red card, and Aston Villa players were double teaming on him high up the pitch to win the ball back. No such "stamina issues" in any other games. Not against Stoke, Spurs, Everton, City.

He's really just a beast in every way if you ask me. Everything you want in a DM... Simply world class. And he's already my 2nd favourite player in this squad.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Was bad in the last 20 minutes, and should have done better in the goal, but he was still my MOTM. The first 70 mins, and especially the first half, he was IMMENSE!

[Stats 7,053]

Another phenomenal game. 2 assists. His first tackle to win the ball back from Cazorla in the first place was magnificent and set up the brilliant counter attack goal from which Schurrle scored. His second assist for Salah was tremendous. Pirlo-esque. To spot a pass from there and execute it like that is top class. Fantastic player and the complete holding mid we have been requiring for years

[Mufassir08 2,400]

What a signing!!

[BlueLyon 9,359]

And he is the kind of DM that doesnt rely on pace, think he will play here for a long time. He reminds me on De Rossi a lot. He isnt as aggressive in challeges that made De Rossi world class DM, but then again Matic will avoid many yellow/red cards thanks to that and isnt a cunt like DDR.

Brilliant game.

[Barbara 15,149]

last, but not least, my man of the match.

We have a pivot player that bloody gave two assists today. I repeat, our #6 is there tackling like no tomorrow, but also giving two assists!

This man is the best guy - after Hazard - we signed in the last few years.

Our pivot with him alone is one of the best. If we find him a partner as good as him or at least someone that doesn't leave him alone, we'll be certified rapists

[Jase 43,479]

[sainttourist 68]

Still can't believe we got him back so easy and so cheap. Already top player for his position, and I can only expect better from him. Big praise for the board, all this year deals looks great.

[iseah100 5,612]

Still can't believe we got him back so easy and so cheap. Already top player for his position, and I can only expect better from him. Big praise for the board, all this year deals looks great.

Absolute steal! £20M!? Amazing. Compared to what Man U got for Fellaini £28M and he's nowhere near Matics level. Salah too, hopefully Zouma lives up to expectations as well. Great time to be a Chelsea fan!

[Hamon 103]

What an absolutely great midfielder, he has it, the whole complete pack: defense, shoot, passing, vision, strength, agility, youth.

Absolute top in his role.

[mediator 2,026]

It's was so easy for us to sign him back and... so cheap ! We've heard that teams should have to trigger his release clause (something around 40M euros) to get him so why was it so easy for us?

Do you think we could have placed a buy-back clause, even if no one has mentioned it ?

[zolayes 14,489]

Still can't believe we got him back so easy and so cheap. Already top player for his position, and I can only expect better from him. Big praise for the board, all this year deals looks great.

I STILL CAN'T believe we gave him away

[nofacej 132]

I STILL CAN'T believe we gave him away

It's worked out well for us though. He came on leaps and bounds playing for Benfica and we've benefited from that. Hopefully some of our players out on loan do the same.

[1chelsea 864]

@Henrique I know you want to praise Matic you got your chance to say it, just do it go on we are all with you

[Madmax 9,219]

If we have ANY sense at all, we'll keep this guy around till his retirement. Absolute Rolls Royce of a player.

[Special Juan 27,424]

His closing down and breaking of play was immense yesterday.

[Jase 43,479]

It's was so easy for us to sign him back and... so cheap ! We've heard that teams should have to trigger his release clause (something around 40M euros) to get him so why was it so easy for us?

Do you think we could have placed a buy-back clause, even if no one has mentioned it ?

IIRC, Benfica were having financial problems and needed the money. So, they couldn't really play hardball with us like say Porto used to do! Besides, Matic wanted to return to us anyway. And no, don't think we have placed any buy-back clauses or things like that. Don't think we'll be silly and leave us at a disadvantage with clauses like that.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

His closing down and breaking of play was immense yesterday.

Not to mention his passing