Chelsea: What to do to challenge for the title next season
Play to Morata’s strengths
Alvaro Morata has endured a tough time in England. The Blues may need to adapt their approach to getting the best out of him.
With 13 goals in 40 games this season, it is fair to say that Alvaro Morata has been a disappointing signing. It seemed Chelsea were destined to re-sign Romelu Lukaku for the longest time.
Blues fans must be wondering what could have been, as they watch the Manchester United striker rack up 26 goals in 51 games for his club. With the current Chelsea setup, I believe that Lukaku would have struggled.
If Chelsea signed Lukaku and Morata went to Utd how different are their teams season? Think Lukaku has been excellent for Utd while Morata struggled after bright beginning. Thoughts?
— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) May 9, 2018
Morata and Lukaku both rely on their physicality and aerial prowess to bully defenders. With players like Hazard and Fabregas, this team does not put in as many crosses as a team like United.
They have become more possession-based, focusing on ground-based passing, requiring the forwards to run beyond defenses. As a result, no team has been caught offside more often than Chelsea.
Next: Man United - What to do to challenge for the title next season
Morata’s strength is not running beyond defenders, it’s outmatching them in the air. If Chelsea intends to continue using the big Spaniard, or even Olivier Giroud as their main forward, the approach play will have to be different.
Chelsea are using the same style that worked with Diego Costa. Conte’s failure to adapt his tactics to his new forward has dashed his confidence and left the club with a £58m albatross around their necks.
Things are looking grim for Chelsea as they enter the final weekend of the league season. It will be a summer of change for the Londoners, as a period of uncertainty looms.