Ronny Goodlass talks tactics: Chelsea v Liverpool

Feb 9 2008

SINCE Jose Mourinho’s departure, Avram Grant seems to be getting the best out of a number of players who were not performing – such as Michael Ballack, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Andriy Shevchenko.

While remaining a tough team to beat, Chelsea seem to be playing a more expansive style. While the likes of Ricardo Carvalho and Claude Makelele will be happy to sit in their positions, the rest of the team has been granted plenty of freedom.

Defence

IN THE absence of John Terry, Carvalho is the rock upon which the Chelsea defence is built.

An experienced campaigner, he reads the game so well and looks to bring the ball out of defence to start Chelsea’s attacks.

Petr Cech was, for two seasons, the best goalkeeper in the world. He has battled back bravely after suffering a fractured skull in a collision with Reading’s Stephen Hunt, but while he remains a great shot stopper he is not as commanding on crosses as he was.

Juliano Belletti may get the nod on one flank as he offers more of an attacking threat for the home side. One of the best full-backs in Europe, the former Barcelona player is more like a winger, getting forward and putting crosses over. Paulo Ferreira offers less of a threat high up the field, but his distribution from the back is good.

On the other side Ashley Cole will also get forward, but he is quick to recover.

Midfield

CHELSEA will be hoping Frank Lampard is fit enough to resume as they play with a different style when he is in the side.

His goals from midfield make such a difference and while Ballack offers a threat in the air, Lampard is more of an all-round danger.

He doesn’t just make five or 10-yard bursts, but will run 30 to 40 yards to link up with an attacking move. And his timing is superb. You can say it is a real art in making sure you arrive at just the right time to take the ball in full stride and get a shot in on goal. Some people argue that he gets luck with deflections or the ball going through the keeper’s legs, but he gets a very high number of his shots on target which makes things happen for him.

The full-backs like to push forward at every opportunity, too, and Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole add attacking options. It will be important for Liverpool that their own wide players track back when necessary and do not leave them outnumbered at the back.

Makele has had a position named after him such is his command of the holding midfielder role. He is the best at breaking up attacks.

Attack

NICOLAS ANELKA is Grant’s first signing and the prospect in due course of him teaming up with Didier Drogba is a mouth-watering one.

Explosive pace and cool finishing makes him tricky to keep out of the game, but he does not only score goals but create chances for others, too.

Florent Malouda will provide a threat from the flanks, but there could be more to come from the Frenchman if he finds the confidence to take defenders on and beat them more often.

Dangerman

JOE COLE – at his most dangerous when dribbling at defences.

Overall verdict

CHELSEA are a hard team to beat, but are more attractive to watch under Grant.

Liverpool will have to improve on their showing at West Ham to get anything from this game.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON