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?