I know we all bash Mikel for his inability to pass forward sometimes (even I have) but after watching the AFCON and the Confederations Cup could we play a 3-man midfield and have it benefit Mikel and others in the team?
The Evidence
If you have watched any of Nigeria’s games you would see that Mikel is one of the main playmakers in the team, this is due to his freed up defensive duties as there are 3 of them in centre midfield. This enables him to move forward, he is big and strong causing some players it to be difficult to stop him. If you watched him vs Spain on Sunday you would of seen it took 3 Spanish players to out-muscle him, only Ramos and Busquets where able to stop him once by themselves each in a strength contest.
Also with him going forward, he is a threat because of his height. Time and again teams had trouble marking him, as he was tall, he scores goals as well! Mikel’s last goal for Chelsea was over 4years ago, his last goal for Nigeria was against Uruguay last week with a well taken weak footed shot, he has now scored 4goals for Nigeria in 50appearance’s that is not bad for a player in a Defensive centre midfield position on an international level. Also playing with 3 CM’s Mikel seems to suddenly become more alive and not his usual timid, quiet self. He turns into a great player, and can pass forward! With even a few long passes.
If we Changed to a 3 man Centre Midfield
If we did change formation, what would this mean? We would possible need more CM’s or just bring up some youth players in the team, we would need more box-to-box players to help with attack and defence. It could possible suit Ramires and Lampard more as both are not the best players for the pivot role but they do their best every game. We would be stronger in the middle of the park meaning we could break attacks down sooner, with more cover being given to the defence one area we where not very strong at last season. We didn’t let in as many goals but teams did carve us open very quickly and if it wasn’t mainly for Cech’s heroic’s we would have been a lot worse off. If we go down the 3 man midfield route we would have to sacrifice one of our 3 Amigos unless Oscar played a deeper role but stilled linked up with them which I think would not be a bad thing what so ever as I think that could become his role of linking the defence and attack. Out of the starting 3 of Hazard, Mata and Oscar I can see Oscar being the most likely on to be dropped into a deeper role or to the bench.
When Mourinho was at Chelsea last time his team was built on a rock solid Midfield 3 but recently since Mou’s time at Real where he played their 4-2-3-1 we would have to wait and see what formation he went with.
If we stick with the pivot
If we went with the pivot I think we could bring in one defensive midfielder but thats only if Romeu does go on Loan. If he doesn’t I believe we have the resources to cover that position well and not have to buy anyone to bring in. With the players we have I think we can excel I would just like to try Romeu and Mikel in the Pivot together as I think it could work really well for them and they could create a great partnership.
I think we could bring in a youth player and have 5players challenging for those two spots I think it could be time to look at integrating McEachran into the first team as he is a player who could take over Lampard’s place when he retires. Ramires would be great with either Romeu or Mikel I believe so he is fine. I think Ake would be good to have as a 5th Centre back as that is his natural position even though he has barely played there this season but I can see him there in the future.
Using the Pivot though does mean Mikel won’t have the little bit of freedom so I am unsure what will happen.
Verdict
I think if we played in a 3-man midfield Mikel would play better instantly however if we played the Pivot I don’t think we would see the player that we would see for Nigeria. He is good and I know I criticize him a lot but when I watch him for Nigeria I am truly impressed at how he plays.
Do you think a change in formation would help Mikel?
