The defensive four against Malmo on Thursday has to be the one that starts against Manchester City this Sunday in the Carabao Cup Final.
This is the defence that gives us the solidity we need to base our midfield and attacks from. I have a lot of time for David Luiz as a player, but his inconsistency and ‘moments’ of crazy defending are not what this team needs, especially at this particular time.
Emerson has his limitations, but clearly is an upgrade on Marcos Alonso, who in a flat back four has been found wanting time and time again. Cesar Azpilicueta is a dependable right-back and, as defacto captain, he needs to be on the field. Tony Rudiger has the speed, passion and desire, that our team so desperately needs. Is he technically the best, probably not, but his long range passing is a bonus to what he can do on the defensive end. Andreas Christensen to me is a diamond in the rough. He has the capability to being to our defence, that Callum Hudson-Odoi can bring to our attack. He reads the games as well as anyone, is composed, elegant and has the ability to mix it with the strongest or nimblest of attackers.
Looking at how the team played against Malmo, there were clearly some scary moments, but this is not a unit that has played together too many times, but their ability to release the midfield and attack with speed was clear for all to see, especially in the second half. Can you imagine Jorginho picking the ball up as Kante did, spring through the middle of the park for forty odd yards, picking out Willian and seeing the end result being a Giroud goal? No, I can’t either.
Ross Barkley is to me a quality player but only shines when he does not have Jorginho with him on the field – go ahead – look at the stats? When Jorginho is there demanding Ross drop the ball to him, restricting his runs, curtailing his attacking instincts – we do not see the Ross Barkley that is ready to set the Premiership alight. Today, for example, he was free to attack, to prod and to shoot at goal.
No team will win anything unless there is a strong foundation at the back. Whether it was design or by accident, with two exceptions (Hazard for Willian and Kepa for Willy), this team looks like it could compete at the Premiership level and perhaps start the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday.
The case for the defence rests.
