A question of balance

[Madmax 9,219]

Having thought about it for a while, I reckon the problem with our squad this season lies in it's balance.

Balance in AGE

People have been saying this for a couple of years and it has proved to be a false alarm before but this season I think we have genuinely become 'too old' as they like to put it. 7 first team starters (before Torres and Luiz arrivals) are 30 or above and it's beginning to show. Excluding the academy guys, only Mikel, Ramires, Kalou and Sturridge are in their early or mid twenties. Drogba is a late bloomer but that doesn't take away the fact that he has to face defenders that are younger, quicker, more agile than him. Malouda and Lampard have lost a step. Terry's game was never based on speed. Even Cole isn't the same marauding full back of last season. Age has definitely become an issue.

Balance in NUMBERS

The smallest first team squad in the league (alongside Wigan). Just 18 outfield players (incl Torres n Luiz). A distinct lack of bench strength. We have over the years become well known for our strength in depth but the summer departures combined with a lack of replacements and a lack of game time for the much hyped youth has exposed the already ageing first team regulars. No capable substitutes on the bench mean even more work for the 30 somethings and thus more tiredness and drop in performance and hence, confidence. Vicious cycle.

Balance in ATTRIBUTES

This is a key aspect for me. At the back, Ivanovic, Alex and Terry are much too similar in their approach to the game and the qualities they bring to the side. Ivan and Terry in particular. None of the 3 is especially quick. Luiz's entry should solve this for the time being but the damage has already been done. While still boasting one of the best defensive records in the league, the lack of pace at the back has been exposed way too often and it has been down to Cech who's managed to keep us safe in a majority of the games. Midfield is the area where this problem has been the most destructive though. Ramires, Mikel and Essien are like clones and the twin injuries to Benayoun and Lampard has magnified the malaise. It's an effective, energetic midfield but lacks the creativity and vision to unlock tight defences. Upfront, Drogba and Torres are much the same. No wonder it's difficult to play the two of them together unless one changes his game.

Balance in POSITIONS

No outright wingers for a team that ostensibly looks to play 4-3-3. No attacking midfielder. No decent backup goalkeeper. A defensively sound yet threatening-when-forward rightback. The lack of balance according to our system is all too evident.

[Jose M 140]

Tactically this season, Ancelotti has been inept at times. He doesn't seem to have the ability to change the way a team plays during a game in the same way Mourinho could. He has also kept faith with underperforming players such as Lampard and Malouda when he should have been giving the youngsters their chance. McEachran was England's best player for the Under 21's two weeks ago, then in his next game he was man of the match in the FA Youth Cup against Barnsley. He should have started the game against Fulham but was an unused sub. What does he have to do to get on the pitch ahead of Lampard? I'm also not a fan of a 4-3-3 if it means the front three are three strikers as it leaves the team far too narrow. Let's get back to the 4-3-3 with real wingers and use the whole pitch. And use the whole squad Carlo, not just the 14 or so you like to use.

[steve5221 91]

Tactically this season, Ancelotti has been inept at times. He doesn't seem to have the ability to change the way a team plays during a game in the same way Mourinho could. He has also kept faith with underperforming players such as Lampard and Malouda when he should have been giving the youngsters their chance. McEachran was England's best player for the Under 21's two weeks ago, then in his next game he was man of the match in the FA Youth Cup against Barnsley. He should have started the game against Fulham but was an unused sub. What does he have to do to get on the pitch ahead of Lampard? I'm also not a fan of a 4-3-3 if it means the front three are three strikers as it leaves the team far too narrow. Let's get back to the 4-3-3 with real wingers and use the whole pitch. And use the whole squad Carlo, not just the 14 or so you like to use.

Totally agree with this post and it is exactly for the above reasons that if Carlo does not change his mentality NOW we are not going to get 4th in the league and will cost him his job.....

[LDN Blue 7,903]

This all roots from Carlo and the board.

Their failure to recognise this in the beginning is the result of this imbalance. That being said, the players are at fault for not giving their all.

[eldo 868]

The base of our squad is too old. We need to rebuild it, add some younger players.

Jose M read my last post in the McEachran thread.