Setting out Jose Mourinho's Best Midfield Setup for the Rest of the Season
As the January transfer window rapidly approaches, Jose Mourinho will be thinking about what his squad needs in order to make good on Chelsea's impressive first half of the campaign.
They remain favourites for the Premier League, while also going strong in the Champions League and Capital One Cup.
The FA Cup kicks into action in the new year, too, giving Chelsea a hectic schedule if they're to continue their pursuit of winning absolutely everything.
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So, does Mourinho stick or twist?
The Chelsea manager has suggested it'll be the former, reinstating his desire this week that there will be no comings or goings from Stamford Bridge in January.
"We have a short squad, but we've got good players, some younger, some older, but the squad is very, very good," he told talkSPORT (via Evening Standard).
"Our project is to start and finish the season with the same group of players, so there will be nobody to leave and nobody to come in either."
With rumours surrounding some of his players, it's difficult to see that remaining the case.
What isn't so tough is looking at how Mourinho should continue to shape his team, especially in the crucial area of midfield.
Chelsea have considerable talent in their attacking quarters, but further back in the pivot, they are short on numbers.
Maintaining the manager's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, who should get the nod from Mourinho?
Midfield pivot: Nemanja Matic
The Serbian has been fantastic since rejoining Chelsea from Benfica last January. The transformation of Chelsea's midfield has been phenomenal, with Matic imposing himself in a way his predecessors had struggled to.
When Mourinho returned to Chelsea, he inherited an imbalanced squad. It was one lacking bite in key areas and the return of Matic has added that.
We saw in the recent 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United how much he is missed when not playing. Gaps appeared and Newcastle did well to exploit them on the counter.
If Chelsea want to win anything this season, they need Matic in their team.
Midfield pivot: Cesc Fabregas
This summer, how many people, outside of Mourinho's backroom staff at Chelsea, would have predicted Fabregas and Matic would form the best midfield partnership in the Premier League, if not Europe?
Very few.
Used to playing further forward, Fabregas has shown his ability and intelligence by being deployed in a deeper role for Chelsea this season.
His vision and creativity complement Matic's more physical approach, and Chelsea are a far better team for it.
With Fabregas, Chelsea are able to break teams down more effectively and Diego Costa has been a huge beneficiary.
Fabregas has got Chelsea moving from deep, meaning they can hit teams on the counter far more effectively. With Costa eager to break the defensive line, he's been able to latch on to his team-mate's through balls.
Nobody in this Chelsea squad is capable of performing Fabregas' role to the level he does. When fit, there isn't a player who starts ahead of Fabregas.
Attacking midfield: Eden Hazard
Chelsea's talisman, the Belgian is the creative hub of Mourinho's team when they're breaking at speed. Fabregas gets things moving from deep, but it's often Hazard who is finishing off moves with Diego Costa.
While still looking lethal, Hazard's form in the beginning stages of the season wasn't as intense as what we're seeing now. In recent weeks, we've seen that devastating glint in his eye and defenders are having nightmares again.
When Chelsea have needed goals or have lacked inspiration, it's Hazard who has been on hand to inspire his team-mates and keep their winning form moving in the right direction.
Alongside Matic and Fabregas, he's almost undroppable.
Attacking midfield: Andre Schurrle
Now he's back fit and fully recovered from the illness that crocked him in October and November, Schurrle has the look of a man making up for lost time.
He won the World Cup with Germany in the summer, and he carried his impressive form from South America over into the new season, scoring a wonderful goal against Burnley in Chelsea's first game.
That strike was exquisite and a clear indication of what Schurrle can achieve.
"Schurrle in December looks a different man to Mr November. Pace, sharp and a threat again. #CFC
— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) December 13, 2014"
Back in the lineup, he has scored twice in three games and looks a major threat once more.
In his absence, Willian did a sterling job in the same position on the right of Chelsea's attacking three, but Schurrle adds more edge. He scores more goals, provides width and has substance.
Attacking midfield: Oscar
Playing more centrally compared to Hazard and Schurrle, Oscar is ideal for the No. 10 role in this Chelsea team.
Yes, he has a creative streak that we normally associate with Brazilians, but he comes with so much more.
Oscar helps Chelsea press teams high up the pitch and his tackling ability is excellent.
It's those qualities that allow him to play the No. 10 role less conventionally than some of the other famous faces we see operating in that area.
Indeed, his relationship with Fabregas continues to blossom. The pair have created an excellent understanding in the middle, and when Fabregas ventures forward, Oscar doesn't shirk his defensive duties, filling in for his team-mate.
Oscar allows the Chelsea midfield to rotate, and after a poor end to 2013/14, he is back to his best.
Overall, the options Mourinho has at his disposal allow him to play various combinations in midfield, but deploying these five players undoubtedly brings Chelsea additional strength.
They bring tactical know-how, mettle and importantly, goals. Chelsea can play at a high tempo and dictate games, with each player offering something different to their team-mates.
It brings a real balance, and with that, Chelsea look ready for whatever the Premier League throws at them.
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
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