Thread of Chelsea’s midfield issues – the ideal/realistic signing to resolve their midfield woes:

Firstly, let’s iron out the main issues lying in midfield. As it stands Jorginho and Kante is Chelsea’s best pivot. There are many other pivots of better quality than this in the league. Our defensive issues are more apparent with Kovacic in any pivot, particularly with Jorginho.

It’s clear Chelsea don’t have the profile of players necessary to play in a pivot. To counter this, Frank prefers to play 4-3-3 with Kante as a lone DM. However, with Kante’s defensive numbers declining by each season, it’s clear to see he aint the long term fix.

Not to mention his decline on the ball has been more apparent than ever. Here’s a comparison of his passing over the course of the last few seasons. It’s evident we need a midfielder than can do both duties of progressing the ball from the back and shielding it at the same time.

Let’s start with Boubakary Soumaré. For me from what ive seen, he plays in a two or ahead of a holding mid as an #8. He reminds me of Ndombele with his big first touches to evade the press, or draws in players before he drops the shoulder and takes on his man.

His time at Lille he has been played regularly either in a 2 man pivot as the progressive midfielder or in a 4-4-2 adopting a box to box role.

He is by no means an out and out ‘defensive midfielder’, with him averaging 1 tackle and 0.5 interceptions this season.

His defensive numbers spiked up to around 3 tackles and interceptions per game in the CL last season.

His standout game was against Valencia, where he made 80 touches, 2 key passes, 5 dribbles, 6 long balls, won all 11 duels and made 5 tackles and interceptions.

He’s extremely versatile, however, his profile isn’t suited as a #6. His defensive numbers aren’t amazing at all, granted playing in a pivot reduces his numbers but his profile is more suited to a Partey/Ndombele type player. Him playing next to Kai with a #6 behind might work.

An example of Soumare’s passing range. Even though his xA is lower than Kante, Kovacic (0.10) and Jorginho (0.08) he has the potential to be a complete #8 with his ball carrying ability and physical presence will be a large plus. Needs to play more risky passes though.

Soumare for his age would be an excellent signing for us. He could improve his passing range as he only averages 0.5 key passes p90. His versatility as an #8 in a 4-3-3 or in a pivot with the likes of Gilmour, Ampadu in the fold will give us a plethora of huge talent in midfield.

Next up let’s talk about Bruno Guimarães. I have been following him since his Athletico Paranaense days. For me i cannot believe we passed up on the opportunity to sign him in January. Extremely exceptional player, can play as a #8 in a 4-3-3 or as a lone #6.

His ability to press will be key to our current side, especially under Lampard who rates Mount so highly because of it. He managed to make 62.2% of his ball recoveries in the opposition half last season. If this doesn’t showcase he can play as an #8 as well i don’t know what does

His ability to play the ball long so effectively is what makes him so good. He is excellent at progressing the ball to the attackers on his team and has positional intelligence that allows him to receive the ball in areas of a potential threat. He can play risky passes with ease.

In this clip alone we can see he has no problem making a definitive pass right after making a tackle.

For me, he depicts the modern day midfielder. Like FDJ, exceptional at beating the press with his exquisite dribbling, averaging 1.4 dribbles per game. He possesses great creative numbers in his position too with 1.3 key passes p90.

Lastly let’s talk about Camavinga, for me hes the best talent to come out of ligue 1 since mbappe. He had an exceptional first season at Rennes making his debut at 16 years of age.

Camavinga is a player who strives on both confidence and flair. He has both in abundance. His change of pace on the half turn would be very useful in terms of evading the press against high pressing teams like we saw against Krasnodar in the first half and prem teams in general.

What has caught my eye the most about him is his ability on the ball. Although 0.6 dribbles per game isn’t particularly amazing I think it can be forgiven granted playing at DM. He’s also very tactically aware of his surroundings so he can pick out a pass to any of his teammates.

Moreover he draws 2.44 fouls p90, 4th most in ligue 1. Again, like Soumare he is very similar to Ndombele in the regard he draws players close to him before dropping the shoulder. His dribbling statistics don’t do him justice, watch these clips.

17 years of age and already has a better athletic body suited to the prem than Jorginho ever has, which is important in his position. Mind you, his aerial ability could do with some work, as he wins less than half of his aerial duels which is poor for a 5’11 player.

For me he is the best midfield talent in the world with the highest ceiling. Camavinga is undoubtedly a ballon d’or level talent. He’s so complete for someone of his age if he can continue to develop at this rate he’ll finish his career as a football great.

In conclusion who do i think is the perfect midfielder for Chelsea’s profile? For me it all depends on how you interpret the situation. If you want the best immediate fix then Guimarães, for me Cama and Soumare are a work in progress. In order I’d go for Cama, Bruno, Soumare.

End thread.