Assessing How Frank Lampard Can Get the Best Out of His Wavering Chelsea Squad

When Frank Lampard was handed the Chelsea job just a year into his professional management career, there were many question marks surrounding how he would cope at the top level.

During that campaign, Chelsea were inconsistent with many flaws to their game. They struggled to score goals freely, conceded far too many from set pieces, lacked leaders, and Lampard's in-game management was often called into question.

In the summer he addressed some of those issues. The club spent more than £200m on upgrading the squad, but as we head into the hectic festive schedule, the goals have suddenly dried up in back-to-back defeats and the head coach's decision-making is facing scrutiny once again.

A loss to Wolves on Tuesday night means that the Blues are yet to beat a side currently placed in the top half of the Premier League, scoring just four goals in the process.

His team selections have been queried regularly by Chelsea fans, with the positioning of Timo Werner on the wing and Kai Havertz in a central midfield role among the most common questions, although injuries have contributed to those decisions.

One thing he has got right is his defence. Edouard Mendy has come into the side to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga and has immediately improved the side.

A back four of Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell has been relatively solid so far, with an excellent blend of experience and youth to go with technique and physical attributes.

Ahead of them though, Lampard needs to decide on his formation first and foremost. The team have performed admirably in a 4-3-3 formation, with Mason Mount as the most advanced central midfielder. However, those performances coincided with the absence of Havertz.

Mount and Havertz are competing for the same spot | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The £72m German international was missing for a spell following a bout of COVID-19 as Chelsea stretched what would become a 17-game unbeaten run, with Mount hitting form therein.

Lampard has often been accused of favouring the England youngster and shoehorning him into the side on the left wing or as a number ten playing behind the striker. But his best performances have come while playing in central midfield.

If he wants to persist with playing a 4-3-3, Havertz needs to sit out of the team. That's obviously a big call for Lampard to make, considering how much money he splashed on the 21-year-old. But it may be the best option.

Playing them together in the 4-3-3 hasn't worked, as Mount's natural instinct is to drive forward which means Havertz sits deeper and has been ineffective in possession. Even when Mount is tasked with sitting deeper, like against Wolves, his instincts seem to take over.

If he drops Havertz, then Mateo Kovacic is without doubt the best option to step in. The balance between a midfield trio of Mount, Kovacic and Kante gives the team energy, goals, creativity and defensive stability too.

If he wants to get the best out of the young German, then a switch to 4-2-3-1 is necessary so Havertz can play in his rightful position. Lampard needs to pick between Mount and Havertz, because the rest of the team is balanced once that decision is made.

The options of Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi out wide are more than enough variety and possess enough quality to put teams to the sword and rotate successfully. Up front, Lampard's selection should stem from what formation he opts for.

Pulisic is competing with Hudson-Odoi for a starting spot | Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

In a 4-2-3-1 with Havertz advanced, Timo Werner is the best option. The compatriots' skillsets link well, with the former Leipzig striker adept at running in behind and facing the goal. With Havertz's ability to join attacks late and score, but also to play the intricate passes in and around the box, they combine nicely.

In a 4-3-3, Olivier Giroud has seemingly shown that he is the better option ahead of Tammy Abraham. His hold-up play, link play and goalscoring instincts in the penalty area have seen him win Lampard over more than once. With goalscoring and creative wingers around him, he can do a lot of damage.

Lampard must make some tough decisions | Pool/Getty Images

There is always the option to chop and change for certain games or scenarios but as a base setup Lampard has to make a decision, and quickly.

Play your best players in their best positions and you'll most likely get the best results. Lampard now must decide who his best players are for what he believes is his best system.


Source : 90min