Stuck in The Middle: Chelsea's Midfield Mass

The luxuries of having a multi-million pound payroll are numerous. When Luiz Felipe Scolari has the option of simply substituting Michael Ballack for an injured Deco, every manager in the world must feel some sense of jealousy.

When the entire team is fit, however, that jealousy no longer presides. In fact, though it is a welcome problem, I imagine that not many managers would wish for the headache that comes with the Brazilian's first squad selection.

When all of his players are fit Scolari has Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Deco, Michael Essien, Joe Cole, Florent Malouda and Jon Mikel Obi to select from. Recent reports suggest that the West London side are set to add Brazilian Mineiro.

Considering that, when his strikers are also at match fitness, Solomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka, Scott Sinclair and Franco Di Santi are also capable of playing the wings further complicates the job Scolari has been asked to do.

How does he do it? Selecting a side amongst the multitude of stars can be difficult. He must play the best player based upon opponents and past performance in games and training. He must consider his defense, forwards and bench as well. Not to mention maintaining that all players are happy with their time under his instruction.

The one move that certainly is easy is to place Lampard in the center of the action. The deputy captain is Chelsea as much as John Terry, and his presence in the lineup means more than his level of play.

After Lamps, confusion ensues. Based upon recent level of play Deco and Joe Cole would appear to be a lock for the starting eleven. Michael Essien is the best central defensive midfielder in the world, and certainly has earned his spot in front of the back line.

This then leaves Ballack, Malouda and Mikel out of the mix, which certainly is hard to justify.

The German captain has seen his play improve dramatically during his time at the Bridge, however, selecting him would limit the amount of strikers that Scolari has available to him.

Malouda, a 13.5 million pound import last January, has not shown his full potential as of yet, but continues to improve his play. His goal in the opening round of group play in the Champions League show that he is able to step up his game when necessary.

Mikel is the only midfielder on the team that is justifiable as a sub. When you consider his pedigree, it is easy to presume that if he were on a slightly lesser team he would be a pivotal part of their midfield.

Mixing and matching these players is the only option available to Scolari, Malouda has already expressed his satisfaction with such a program, however, when limiting playing time I would imagine that not all of the parties involved can be so respectful.

To his credit Scolari has been able to balance the team very well to this point. Unfortunately, he has had a string of injuries that have limited his abilities, however, he seems to have inserted himself strongly within the organization and the players seem to be responding well to his leadership.

The hope is that he can carry the team, and it's collection of midfielders, through to domestic and European glory.