FINDING THE BALANCE

In 2007 Jose Mourinho spoke out about the lack of Youth players and adequate reserves. After a shock draw at Wycombe in the league cup he said: “We have not the quality of player ready to play for Chelsea…I don’t have a second squad to go through and pick players”.

            This message was in the process of being answered; if we compare and contrast situations then and now the change is quite remarkable. The scenario we now find ourselves in is almost completely the opposite. Chelsea now have a very significant group of talented youth and reserve players – so much so that (as has been widely reported) a very capable XI could be fielded just from those on loan. A problem, but nonetheless a problem more desirable than in 2007.

            This ‘problem’ comes at a time when the spine of our first team over the past eight years is slowly being phased out. Drogba has moved on to pastures new, while Terry and Lampard have found playing time harder to come by. Cole and Cech are approaching periods in their career where plans need to be made for ‘the morning after’. It seems a perfect match then; as the ‘Old Guard’ are slowly phased out a new cohort of talented young players can attempt to fill the significant void. No easy feat mind, but if a balance is found the transitional years that every club is afraid of may not seem so daunting, and life after Terry, Cech, Lampard and co may not seem so intimidating after all.

            Firstly, lets look at Cech and the goalkeeping position that he has nailed down since his arrival in 2006. Another season of consistent, quality performances have shown us all how capable he still is. But in Thibaut Courtois, the 20 year-old Belgian currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, Chelsea for the first time in many years are beginning to have a selection issue. At this key time in Coutrois’ career it is vital that he gets regular game time – something he achieves at Atletico as undisputed number one. If he returned to Chelsea, would this be the case? Cech’s high quality performances would suggest not. Perhaps the transition can be postponed for another season.  

            Next on the agenda is the defense. Defensive stalwarts Terry and Cole are entering the last years of their contracts, but Chelsea have already made plans for their replacements. Cole’s understudy Ryan Bertrand seems a fit; learning from the best in the world over the past few years. In addition, young Patrick Van Aanholt (who spent the season at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem) provides competition for the role. Turning to centre backs, Van Aanholt’s partner at the back Tomas Kalas is also on loan from Chelsea, and the young Czech may in future seasons be able to push at the boundaries of the first team. However, it could be argued that the first team squad already has replacements ready; David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic are all ready to provide several years of service. Perhaps with Terry’s injury hit season we have already seen the first stage of transition? Only the new season will tell.

            It is perhaps in midfield that Chelsea boast their largest pool of talent. In terms of defensive midfielders, we have Nathaniel Chalobah (who enjoyed a very successful season at Zola’s Watford) and Nathan Ake – a player who will be known to many fans after his six first team appearances this season. In terms of attacking midfielders we have yet more and seem set for the future with out current crop; Lucas Piazon and Kevin De Bruyne among the most promising attacking talent in Europe adding to Mata, Oscar, Hazard and Moses who have performed so well over the past season. The hardest decision to make here however is finding the right time to introduce them. Players such as Frank Lampard and Michael Essien (who returns to Chelsea after a loan spell at Real Madrid) will need replacements, but they still have a lot to offer - their experience is vital and no substitution can be found for that. In the same way, young players need playing time. They need to play at a level where they can develop week in, week out without the pressures of competing with world-class players for a spot on the team sheet.  If young players were left to sit on the bench for a season, this sort of stagnation will not have any positive effects.

This is the key part of finding the balance. A balance needs to be found where the introduction of young players to the first team can be achieved without hampering their development, and without blocking the contributions of experienced team members who have a lot to give. In addition, with particular attention to our current attacking midfield crop, a balance needs to be found between playing our best (Mata and Hazard) while nurturing future prospects and having players capable of effective squad rotation.

            Finally, we have the attack. One year on from Drogba’s departure it could be argued that his place is still up for grabs. Yet again, Chelsea have plans. Pretty big plans. In fact, the plan comes by way of the physical phenom of Romelu Lukaku, who spent last season at West Brom giving Premier league defenses a torrid time. Lukaku is only 20, but it seems as if he has something to give. His pace, build and finishing combine to create a striker with devastating potential. Yet again, Chelsea will need to decide over the summer what they want to do with him, but there will be no shortage of clubs queuing to secure him in a loan deal.

In conclusion, the next season or two are the transitional years that the club has been anticipating for many years. With a large band of talented youngsters all vying for places in the first team, the club will hope that the inevitable losses of key players over the last few years is smoothed over somewhat. But, as the title of this piece eludes to, a balance needs to be found – if it is successful, the foundations are laid for a very promising future with continued successes.