Exclusive: How Mourinho is tackling defensive balance, flair

The sale of Juan Mata to Manchester United by Chelsea apparently shocked hordes of Blues fans across the globe, but tactical followers of the English Premier League, EPL and Chelsea in particular will understand it’s one of Jose Mourinho’s ways of working towards striking a balance between a compact defence and attacking flair desperately desired by Chelsea billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich.

Despite being voted Chelsea’s player of the year for two consecutive seasons, Spanish born attacking midfielder, Juan Mata’s ability to track-back and provide extra cover when Chelsea loses the ball has often been called to question .

Like Mourinho’s first sojourn in Chelsea where he played Michael Essien and Claude Makelele at the front of Chelsea’s central defence, with Frank Lampard linking up with Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, Joe Cole or any other mobile winger who also have the ability to track-back, the Portuguese born tactician is working towards playing highly skilled wingers who can track-back to help the defensive wing-back as well as provide fast-break and skilful counter attack that will be prolific.

Aside signing utility and skillful wingers in the mould  of Willian and the man often referred to as Egyptian Messi, Mohamed  Salah, both of whom can do Mourinho’s bidding at the flanks, the Chelsea’s gaffer is also exploring the midfield combination of Ramires, Nemanja Matic and David Luiz, three of whom can protect the rear guard and gifted with skills as well as technical ability that will ensure the fast, free flowing football that Roman Abramovich earnestly desires, unlike the less mobile and skillful Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel that Jose often relied on in his fist spell at Stamford Bridge.

The fulcrum of the emerging Chelsea team Jose Mourinho is building will rest on Nemanja Matic, Ramires, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Mohamed Salah and David Luiz should he remain in Chelsea. These seven internationals are no doubt blessed with skill, strong technical ability and high work-rate that will provide the perfect blend of balance as well as attacking flair.

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