Why Andre Schurrle Is Under Most Pressure for Chelsea After Draw vs. Southampton

Due to staggered kickoffs, Chelsea may have thought their draw vs. Southampton would have been more punishing.

After the weekend's matches transpired, however, the Blues maintained  their slender three-point advantage over Manchester City, as the holders had their own problems at the Etihad—relinquishing a two-goal lead vs. Burnley.

Irrespective of the Premier League newcomers sparing Chelsea's point differential, many of Jose Mourinho's options played below par in Sunday's first half: John Obi Mikel was loose in midfield, John Terry was caught playing the Saints offside and, in his one piece of meaningful action, Thibaut Courtois was found in no-man's-land, as Sadio Mane lobbed the Belgian shotstopper into an empty net.

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Chelsea's opening half at St. Mary's Stadium—subtracting one world-class sequence culminating in an Eden Hazard goal celebration—was porous. The second half was markedly better, but before the last 45 minutes were played, Mourinho made one change which was certainly eye opening.

Largely anonymous in his first start since Chelsea played Arsenal in October, Andre Schurrle was taken off at halftime for Willian. The Brazilian international played 86 minutes on Boxing Day, and one would imagine had little hopes of playing over the weekend, knowing the competition for places on the right wing; yet Mourinho put him on, and the game changed.

The Blues, who mustered just one shot in the first half, generated eight attempts in the second; the added impetus of Willian being a direct correlation. Schurrle registered 18 touches in his given time, the Brazilian wide man had 42 touches in his allotment.

Lauded for having a large-enough squad to cope with December's demands, it would seem Mourinho is averse to exhausting the riches Roman Abramovich has bestowed upon him. Mikel was originally purchased during the Portuguese's first spell, likewise Drogba in a sense; it therefore seems Chelsea's boss has his favourites and intends to ride them until they can no longer race.

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Needed alterations, due to age and/or potential, like Courtois for Petr Cech appear logical, but Mourinho's preferred choices are difficult to usurp. Understanding their roles perfectly, Mourinho has a select core he trusts implicitly, the rest feel rather compulsory.

Individually, Schurrle may very well relate to Juan Mata:

"

Juan Mata on being subbed off. #CFC https://t.co/O3CC4AZmlv

— . (@iChelseaTweets) January 1, 2014"

Last season's trip to Southampton on New Year's Day saw the Spanish maestro taken from the pitch early; not coming off at halftime, but in the 53rd minute, the world was privy to Mata's reaction—one of complete anguish and frustration: Three weeks later he was a Manchester United player at the price of £37.1 million.

Not to suggest Schurrle is unhappy or on his way out—as that would be utter speculation—but if at the first sign of trouble Mourinho's first reaction is to play Willian, rather than trust Schurrle to cope, how the German international could not feel under pressure seems impossible.

If the World Cup winner cannot sense mounting pressure, those interested can feel it for him. Mata dealt with pressure by leaving Stamford Bridge; Schurrle is a different man altogether, and he may enjoy the battle.

Clive Mason/Getty Images

The silver lining—unless drastic movement befalls the west London club in the transfer window—is Schurrle should receive matches to regain his form. Chelsea stars in the FA Cup on 4 January vs. Watford, and rotation will be needed at Swansea City before crucial games vs. Liverpool and Manchester City arrive.

Mourinho plays his favourites, and not just Schurrle is feeling the brunt of this current rotation—or lack thereof. As the season reaches its climax, however, all available bodies will be needed in four competitions.

When allowed on the pitch for an extended period, Schurrle (and those in a similar boat) must take advantage and perform—leaving no doubt in the manager's mind about his selection.

*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.

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