The Formation Forum - Chelsea Plus Torres: Diamonds Are...For...Now?

By Si Warner

When Nicolas Anelka signed for Chelsea, the phrase ‘square peg in round hole‘ sprung to mind. "How will he play with Drogba?" gasped the faithful.

Chelsea had stubbornly won 2 titles with a rigid 4-3-3 formation under Mourinho. Avram Grant inherited a team that, in his Santa guise, Roman Abramovich had delivered Anelka as a late Christmas present. Le Sulk often played second fiddle to Le Drog during Grant’s brief reign.

Enter Guus Hiddink under whom Anelka was introduced on the wing where he remained until Carlo Ancelotti arrived. He immediately acknowledged that these "front 2" needed to play as a "front 2".

The diamond formation was perceived to be the solution and it seemed just perfect: Lampard would devour the free role behind the "front 2". Ballack, Essien and Mikel would excel in the midfield triangle (remember Malouda was not very good then). Bosingwa and Cole would revel in the freedom to roam forward and provide width.

It never quite worked to plan though.

Lampard, in particular, was stifled without making his runs from deep and not able to dictate play. A mere 20 games in, Carlo reverted back to 4-3-3.

Anelka moved wide again with formidable yet contrasting returns: the domestic double compensating for a harsh Champions League exit. The formation has existed ever since with Carlo pretty much refusing to alter his plans even when chasing a game.

Now comes the big conundrum: Where does El Nino fit in?

Ideally all three form the deadliest strike-force the Premier league has ever witnessed. However, neither Didier or Fernando have ever drifted from a central striking role (as far as I am aware). Does the tobacco stained Italian tactician revert to a "front 2" and drop Anelka - The same Anelka that was so exquisite at Sunderland this week? How on earth does Malouda fit in to all of this?

Ordinarily, I feel I am pretty nifty at predicting line-ups but, hand on heart, I can honestly say I am simply stumped on this one. Torres will likely be on the bench this weekend and he will accept that. But not for long.

 So how do Chelsea accommodate their new £50m man?

The Daily Discussion - Torres Mas Que £50m?

By Simon Warner

 Ok. Now let’s imagine you are Kenny Dalglish for one moment. You are sat in your office dithering over Maxi Rodrigueuz’s latest failed contribution when in pops big John W Henry. He closes the door so you know he means business. £50m is on the table for El Nino and you can sense your new owner is considering it. You immediately reject the idea out of sight but as JWH departs the room you become pensive. You really could improve the rest of your side with such vast funds now available. And just how valuable is Fernando these days?

Torres is still injury prone.

Torres is still not the same player he was despite having started almost every Premier league game this season.

Torres has really only turned up for a handful of games this season.

Torres has spent the remainder of the season embroiled in running arguments with referees and run of the mill defenders.

You are also conscious of the backlash from the Anfield faithful that awaits if the transaction was completed. Although you are also aware that your stock is still high around these parts and the owners will absorb the majority, if not all, of the heat on this one.

So King Kenny, over to you….

Let’s assume you already have targets lined up that are achievable within the remaining few days of the transfer window (a big ask I know). Who would you bring in and can they strenghten the team?

Let’s also assume the bid is from Chelsea.....