The “New” Chelsea: Years in the making
The Prima Punta translates to the primary goal-getters in the team, these players are typically finishers, like Didier Drogba, Fillipo Inzaghi, Ruud Van Nistlerooy, Hernan Crespo. And the seconda Puntas are secondary strikers, goal scorers who offer a bit more in terms of dribbling and craft and are more likely to add to the intelligence of the build up play, players like Nicolas Anelka, Sergio Aguero, Alessandro Del Piero, Luis Suarez etc.
Some players can be more than one. Carlos Tevez, for example, is the primary goal-getter for Manchester City, but also a Seconda punta. Lionel Messi can be considered all 3, a Prima, Seconda and a Fantasista.
Now, with most teams playing a 4-3-3 formation there are no longer 2 strikers being played and so instead of a ‘Seconda Punta’ teams employ a Velocista on one wing, a player with great speed and dribbling ability as an asset to help break down defences. The fantasisti are then moved to the alternative wing position. What’s the significance of all of this? Well, when you think of most great footballing teams you would be hard pressed to find the major elements missing, especially in attack.
Barcelona had the likes of Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o and Messi, or their current trident of Messi, David Villa and Pedro. Juventus had Zidane, Del Piero and David Trezeguet, Roma had Antonio Cassano, Francesco Totti and Vincenzo Montella.
Even if we are to think in terms of the Premier League in Arsenal’s ‘invincibles’, Robert Pires was a great goalscorer for them from the left position (Seconda), Thierry Henry was a prolific goalscorer (Prima) and then Dennis Bergkamp played right behind Thierry weaving his magic (Fantasista).
This footballing philosophy is important to understand because, it is evident to me that Chelsea have been patiently tried to assemble the perfect composition of players. Bruce Buck the summer before last promised a ‘marquee signing’, Chelsea tried, but, ultimately failed to bring in any of their major targets. Last season, Chelsea were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Mourinho’s Inter, who effectively knocked out Mourinho’s Chelsea.
It was still his team, most of the players that had played, had played under him, the Blues still played the same formation, Chelsea still lacked that guile, that craft, Chelsea were still mechanical. In crunch matches this season especially against Manchester United, Chelsea were not fluid in attack, Chelsea lacked imagination.
United had the perfect formula, Rooney was there to create the fantasy, Hernandez was there to goal-poach and Antonio Valencia or Nani was there as the Velocista. Sure, Chelsea had their own goal machine in ageing malaria hit Drogba, but, with Kalou and Malouda it’s hard to attribute them to one of my previously defined roles. Malouda isn’t enough of a goal threat to be considered a true Seconda punta or fast enough to be considered a Velocista and Kalou is arguably a ‘super-sub’.
The Stamford Bridge club’s movements in the market since Ancelotti has been here clearly suggests they are building a new team founded on Italian philosophy, Roma confirmed they had rejected a bid for Daniele De Rossi back in 2009, the midfielder with currently one year left on his contract. We now know that last summer, not only were Chelsea close to landing what truly is an incredible talent in Neymar, but, also Chelsea tried and failed to buy Fernando Torres.
Signals suggest that Chelsea are finally preparing to land the majority of their targets this summer.
Having already secured a new Prima Punta in Fernando Torres & Midfield destroyer in Ramires and also having the pleasure of welcoming back Seconda Punta Daniel Sturridge, who has impressed whilst on loan at Bolton this season. Will Chelsea welcome Fantasista Neymar? Will Chelsea welcome light-weight Regista Daniele De Rossi? Will Chelsea welcome Velocista Alexis Sanchez.
Ancelotti may well be leaving Chelsea, but, he has contributed to the vision of this “New” Chelsea. Not to mention being the man to lead Chelsea to their first ever double winning season and whatever happens, Carlo has been a credit to the club. KTBFFH
8 responses to “The “New” Chelsea: Years in the making”
What a superb article, I WISH ABRAMOVICH, CARLO, RON GOURLAY READS THIS, WE NEED A TRANSFORMATION IN OUR CLUB,
Fine consideration there Zoffie. I hope your right! You know what worries me? Carlo exclaiming that Chelsea should not break up the current team… a) Should the team be broken up, it appears from his comment that he is already totally redundant in doing anything about it – in other words he does not have a say whatsoever (this is disturbing – he is the 1st team coach no?)and b)his comment regarding the timing of Nando’s arrival not being ideal, supports this stance. Finally if he does want to see minor changes in the current squad if at all, does this not fly in the face of your presumptions? You know for our Capo to have to face constant Qs about his future both directly in his press conference and hourly in the wider media, I think our Board is bringing shame to all BLUES fans, team disquiet and a total lack of business professionalism in the way they’ve allowed our club and Carlo to be disgraced so publicly like this (lest we forget Ray’s public execution) – it really is not acceptable! Just back Carlo and or sack him and allow him, the players and us fans to erase suspicion, doubt and idle gossip!! Good article btw.
A CHELSEA PLAYER ANALYSIS:
Players that never were top quality: Ferreira, Bosingwa
Players much slower than they once were: Terry, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba.
Players that are over-rated: Kalou, Mikel, Zhirkov, Torres.
Players that are under-rated: Benayoun.
Players that are selfish in possession: Torres, Drogba, Anelka, Malouda.
Players that should still have a long future at Chelsea: Cech, Luiz, Cole, Ivanovic, Ramires.
Players that would inspire Chelsea: Subotic (centre back), Van De Wiel (right wing), Neymar (striker).
-If Torres was signed in place of Neymar, the mistake must be corrected quickly.
-A play-maker in a similar class to Silva or Modric is needed.
-A big summer clear-out will be dangerous, but brave changes are needed.
Superb!! Superb!! Superb!! Great article
superb wat abt liverpool.
Great stuff! I think that we need to get back to those days of two scary wingers that aren’t afraid to take someone on and have speed to hurt every defender. We had two lefties in Duff and Robben. I think we already have one player that can play that role and score in Sturridge, so all we need is a forward, winger, and a RB. The rest will depend is we let go of players like Malouda, Anelka, Zhirkov, Kalou, Bosingwa etc. I do think we need to start trusting Kakuta, Sturridge, and McEachren (he can be as good or better than Wilshere). Also, Betrand looks great. We are too direct, that part of our game needs to change!
@Slausty I agree with what you say, I think we have relied too much on our fullbacks to offer width which piling too much work load on them, A Cole for example has not been rested this season and if this continues he is likely to burn out, and might I add he has been looking tired in some games, we need wingers who can get past defenders and make telling crosses, we also need a creative midfielder as well as a RB, I think our CB position is looking good with JT,Alex, Luiz & Iva with Bruma getting some games, Lb position is solid with A.Cole, Bertrand & PVA, I think Yuri looked a promisin buy, but has not lived up to expectations. In the midfield I think Lamps needs to be managed like the likes of scholes and giggs, whoever manages us next season needs to
be brave enough to bench senior players when they don’t perform.
Great Article BTW!
Nice article! U’ve analyse it d best way it cud be done. We want a new look chelsea team next season, nt this team dat lack determination n ginger. I don’t know why they easily give up when defeated. luk back in jose’s time, d team has determination even when 2-0 down, u know u haven’t beat chelsea until d final whistle. So let hope carlo stays n restore love n dedication 2 d team.