What's your diamond midfield

[Badboy 1,526]

The jury is still out for me regarding the diamond formation. Yes we did create lots of chances, but at the same time i think we look congested in the middle and zhirkov is more of a wide player. I dont think the left of a diamond will suit him from what i have seen he likes to run at players like robben and overmars it would be weird for him to play in a midfield.

[Shane 2,275]

The diamond should work aslong as we get some wingers in, Michael Essien is not a winger! Zhirkov over Malouda when he is fit, Malouda is very incosistent.

People say it doesn't suit Frank but when you look at it is lethal with shots from outside the box, The diamond will posistion him there. All he has to do is make the space for himself. I think it will be like Frank's usual role without the tracking back and defending, Shooting from outside the box and playing 1-2s with Drogba and Anelka.

[Clevemayer 764]

I think the Diamond could work as long it looks like these formations:

-----------------------Mikel/Essien----------------------

----------Joe/Ballck/Lamps---Malouda/Zhirkov----

------------------Lamps/Deco/Ess/Mikel---------

you should all bear in your Minds, that Mikel is an attacking Midfielder.

greets

Edited August 18, 2009 by Clevemayer

[the wes 7,212]

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that key player Frank Lampard is less effective in the 'hole', and has plans to move him to the left side of his fabled diamond midfield.

"When there is not a space, it's difficult," 'Carletto' is quoted by The Irish Independent as saying.

"Not just for Lampard, but [also for] Kaka last year at Milan, it's very difficult to play with no space. It's much easier to play in front of the defence because you have space."

Ancelotti went into the details concerning his decision, and elaborated on his thoughts regarding the Blues' midfield.

"When we play with two players behind one striker, they can do better and press without the ball," claimed the former Rossoneri boss.

"These two players, Deco and [salomon] Kalou, can work on their central midfielder.

"In the diamond, it's difficult because offensive midfielders have to play against two, so it's harder to close the space and press the game."

Lampard has a goal scoring record that many strikers would be happy with, and recently levelled his tally with Jimmy Greaves', but the 31-year-old has his eyes set on much bigger records.

"It is a great honour to match Jimmy Greaves, one of the all-time great goalscorers," Lampard remarked.

"Peter Osgood and Roy Bentley are on 150, Kerry Dixon [is on] 193 and Bobby Tambling [is on] 202.

"That feels a long way at the moment, but you never know."

The former West Ham United player will overtake Greaves if he manages to find the back of the net in the Pensioners' next game, which happens to be the London derby against Fulham.

Goal.com

[TylerCFC 7]

Why did we buy Zhirkov and extend Malouda's contract if Lamps is going to play on the left?

[5354 204]

Its a midfield diamond, never the wingers. If thats the case, whose going to play at the tip?

[bombayblue™ 55]

I honeslty could find Ancelotti using the word 'left' anywhere in that article..

[oxfordblues 299]

hmmmmmmmmmmmm joe cole aswell.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Joe Cole will likely be the one who plays behind the two strikers. I can't help but feel Ancelotti will change the midfield to a 4-1-3-2 rather than move Lampard, and by bringing him deeper we will see the best of him.

[the wes 7,212]

Its a midfield diamond, never the wingers. If thats the case, whose going to play at the tip?

Ballack or Cole

[5354 204]

 Are you serious?!?!

Ballack or Cole

[the wes 7,212]

end of the day lampard can play in the diamond midfield that's my point view

Edited August 23, 2009 by the wes

[Ollie 4,400]

Ballack is primarily a holding midfielder. Its best with Joe cole on the tip, Essien and Lampard in the middle with Ballack defensive imo. But anyone can go anywhere pretty much

[Mart 29]

Ballack is primarily a holding midfielder. Its best with Joe cole on the tip, Essien and Lampard in the middle with Ballack defensive imo. But anyone can go anywhere pretty much

Ballack? One of the most technically gifted attacking midfielders EVER.. is primarily a defensive midfielder? You been smoking something a bit funny mate? He is best at the top.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Obviously he's an attacking midfielder, but he's being played as a holding player by Carlo and also by Guus last term, to reasonable success, may I add.