7 Comments

Great article, as usual. Chelsea's squad offers depth and flexibility, with many players like Reiten who are able to switch positions easily and to play different roles in a game, so that's an asset Hayes should definitely exploit by using different systems. Against the likes of Aston Villa or West Ham, systems probably don't matter that much because Chelsea's individual quality will always save the day, but in games against Manchester City and Arsenal, having a good backup system is what can make the difference - in my opinion, arsenal's lack of variability was one of the main reasons why they failed to win against the other top teams.

I was really impressed with Charles' stats, truly an amazing player and the similarities with Bronze are astonishing

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Exactly. The point I made was against the Villa's and Brighton's you can get away with it. Against City et al, you will struggle to play the same system because they will find you out eventually.

This isn't a common system so it could work out.

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Also, thank you!

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Also, given that we may have hopes to go out and win the CL in one year, do you think the system is similar enough that we can adapt and adjust quickly to it, and avenge the Barca defeat?

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There are still defensive vulnerabilities so I think buying a full-back is important but for me a defensive midfielder is key to protecting them. I'd move Mjelde back or groom Erin Cuthbert for the role.

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Where do you think Lauren James might fit into this if the transfer goes ahead? And what do you think of any other potential transfers given the defensive vulnerabilities, of Anderson as LB maybe being replaced and do you think that Niamh and the others can improve their defensive difficulties well enough? And is there someone we could get who offers more mobility than Ingle at DM? I thought we might go for Engen but Barca snapped her up before we had the chance

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Sorry about the late response! I think James coming in means someone will leave. She fits in as a left inside forward or striker in the sense that she has good feet and plays in the style that Emma Hayes wants. Which is quick, interchanging passes with the front players.

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