One of the most talked about fundamentals of a great football squad, is depth. When you hear pundits speaking prior and after games, one thing they always mention is a team that has “depth” or “strength in depth”. This is something we are used to hearing when referring to Chelsea, how they can boast such an amazing squad due to their finances. Is that the case though? Do we really have players that can come off the bench and make an impact in a game when we need them too?
Against Southampton, we had the likes of Remy, Cuadrado and Drogba all on the bench. Two of which came off the bench as Chelsea went in search of all three points. The Blue’s put Southampton under immense pressure for the final period of the game and in all truths, Southampton have Fraser Forster to thank for the point on Sunday after a man of the match performance.
Remy and Cuadrado came on for Willian and Oscar in the second half. Neither managed to affect the game massively. Remy was handed a great chance late on, only to be denied by the feet of Forster. However, what seems to be holding Chelsea back at teams is, the rotation players not being able to step up when called upon and leave a stamp on the game.
I believe part of this has been caused by lack of rotation in earlier parts of the season, but the majority of times Remy or Cuadrado receive the ball, their first thought is to move the ball on. Making sideways passes to hand over responsibility to the likes of Eden Hazard or Cesc Fabregas. We will not be able to rely on the excellence of Eden Hazard week in and week out. Understandably they are no doubt short of the confidence they once revelled in at their former clubs, but surely they want to make an impression during their time on the pitch.
If that is not the case, it will not aid Chelsea’s title charge if they cannot rotate their squad. Since returning for his second stay at Chelsea reports have been constant, claiming Mourinho does not ‘trust’ some of his players. The apparent lack of trust shines through in moments like Sunday. After Manchester City’s defeat to Burnley, I don’t believe it is something Chelsea need to urgently panic about, however something that will need to be addressed over the summer.
I was dubious when we first signed Remy, after failing to complete a move to Liverpool. The transfer seemed to suggest ‘We’ll have you so no one else can’. After stints at Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle I wondered whether or not he would be good enough to feature for Chelsea. I was proven wrong, I do believe he has shown his quality in the Premier League and The Champions League. Yet he doesn’t look entirely comfortable at this level. As I previously mentioned, too many sideways passes with an aim to shaking off responsibility. I will always remember Chelsea being able to call upon an Arjen Robben or a Joe Cole off the bench, whom always use to make an impact. I have been impressed with Remy in the glimpse’s he has shown, has he truly done enough though?
It is clear that the arrival of Juan Cuadrado has increased competition for places. It has given Willian the boost he needed, he is continuing to improve with every game. On the flip side, is Diego Costa worried about his place in the side? I wouldn’t say so myself. That’s not to say Costa hasn’t been up to scratch of late, but we could be a much stronger position if Remy was able to step up.
In my opinion we need to be seeing more from some of the Chelsea players. Albeit the rotation options, but it’s a squad that wins the Premier League and not just the starting eleven. You only have to look at some of the team’s that have gone on to win the Premier League over recent years, all had match winners, even from the bench. With Chelsea still to play Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, everyone will need to be performing at their maximum to clinch the Premier League crown.
To hear more from Ryan, you can find him on Twitter @RyanDarby28
