Chelsea: Can N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic co-exist in same midfield?
N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic have both played in the Chelsea starting 11 to start the season. But can the two really co-exist in the same midfield moving forward?
Nemanja Matic was being tagged as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League two years ago. Before a dip in form last season coincided with a poor season for the Chelsea team as whole. Then this season brought a clean slate for everybody under new boss Antonio Conte.
A new manager brought some new players, however, and one of those was French midfielder N’Golo Kante. Suddenly, now, the question isn’t whether Matic can rebound this season; it’s can Matic even play in the same midfield as the new signing?
In the opening games of the campaign, the two have played alongside each other in something of a 4-1-4-1 formation. Brazilian playmaker Oscar has also been used in the midfield area. But it’s the compatibility of Kante and Matic in particular which invites debate.
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Kante was the big summer signing and had a fantastic start to the season. There can be no questions on his inclusion at this point. But is Matic really a suitable fit in the midfield alongside the French international? Both are defensive players designed to do a similar job.
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So far, Kante has been the defensive midfielder, with Matic playing a little further forward alongside Oscar. It’s a curious mix. The Brazilian is creative and works hard, but can’t really defend. Whilst Matic is a good defender but isn’t effective offensively.
Oscar does well overall and makes it work. But Matic just looks out of place that high up the pitch. The Serbian spends most of his time around the opposition penalty box these days. That’s just not where he does his best work. That’s not how you take advantage of Matic’s strengths.
Considering how much time Matic is now spending near the opposition penalty box, surely Cesc Fabregas would be a better option instead? The Spaniard is adept at controlling a game from midfield, has a great eye for a pass and is always good for an assist. Of course, Fabregas is not a good defender just like Oscar isn’t.
So the two of them teaming up as central midfielders is unlikely, under a conservative coach like Conte or not. So, then, what is the best combination for the Chelsea midfield? Who brings the best balance?
Matic and Kante together just seems too defensive. In some big games away from home, maybe that solidity and stability would be necessary. But against teams in the Premier League where Chelsea need to be creative and open up a defense, it’s too cautious. The game against Watford showed that.
A 3-0 win over Burnley the week after would argue against the need for change. But that wasn’t a game that really tested the Blues’ creativity and midfield balance. Upcoming games against Liverpool, Leicester City and Hull City will offer more of a sterner test.
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Perhaps if Conte does eventually move to a 3-5-2 formation, then the midfield can then be reshuffled to find a better balance. Although, Kante, no matter what, looks like the one midfielder who will always be on the team sheet given current form.
It’s Matic who looks like the odd one out.