Will Di Matteo Utilize Chelsea’s Youth During our Congested Schedule?

Ahead of a tough test in the Champions League tonight against Juventus, I am looking towards our busy schedule and wondering if Roberto can take full advantage of Chelsea's young and supremely talented squad. In recent times the club has been reluctant to give our talented younger players a chance, choosing instead to stick with experience. This has worked for us in the past, but looking at the new signings we have made; our previous principles of experience over youth may be changing. The problem for our manager is gaining the correct balance with his team selections and rotation of the players.

Although Frank Lampard has undoubtedly been a wonderful servant to Chelsea Football Club, we cannot rely on a 34-year-old to start every game this season, and I have already voiced my concerns about Lampard playing in defensive midfield. We currently have Oscar, Oriol Romeu, Daniel Sturridge, Cesar Azpilicueta, Victor Moses and a recently recovered Marko Marin all waiting in the wings and looking for their first starts of the season. Let’s not forget our young player of the year Lucas Piazon who looks to be a very promising talent.

Getting the best out of these players is vital to Chelsea’s success this season. It is very important to get the combination of youth and experience right; the squad needs to be able to create at least 2 good teams that can be competitive and win games. There are many possibilities and this is the dilemma that faces our Italian manager.

Here are some potential line-ups;

Cech (c) / Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Bertrand / Mikel, Romeu / Mata, Oscar, Hazard / Torres

Cech / Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry (c), Cole / Mikel, Ramires / Moses, Oscar, Hazard / Sturridge

Cech / Azpilicueta, Luiz, Terry (c), Cole / Romeu, Ramires / Moses, Mata, Marin / Torres


I have tried to create some good combinations in different positions; for example a deep central midfield pairing who will compliment each others abilities. These are far from conclusive line ups, i am merely presenting you with some suggestions to kick off further discussion!

• So ChelseaDaft readers, do you think Di Matteo will use our Youth wisely during the up and coming fixtures? 

• If so, in what formation/line-ups would you prefer to see them being utilized?

Be sure to leave your opinions below, i would love to hear them!


Look out for the "Live Game Discussion Thread" post on ChelseaDaft at 7:30pm this evening.
The post will act as a sort of "chat room" to give you the chance to share your views and possibly rant along with fellow Chelsea fans during the game v Juventus!

COME ON YOU BLUES! 


Article by Martin Smith

Follow me on twitter @MartinSmithCFC

KTBFFH!