Fixing Chelsea: Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba Could Form Lethal Pairing

So what’s the deal with Chelsea’s mediocre form? Who can get them back to the top of the table?

Didier Drogba. 

In the 2006-2007 season, Drogba scored 33 goals in 60 appearances for Chelsea Football Club. Drogba was in sensational form after missing part of the World Cup through suspension. However, his success can be credited to the system of play that Chelsea employed during that time. 

In Jose Mourinho’s 4-4-2 diamond formation, Drogba flourished. The two outside defenders in Ashley Cole and Paulo Ferreira/Lassana Diarra pushed up to provide width for a narrow midfield. The midfield was packed with World Class players.

Makelele was deployed at the (4) or the defensive midfield role. Lampard and Essien were positioned just above Maka to the left (8) and right (7) in central roles respectively. Finally Michael Ballack was played at the point of the diamond (10), in the attacking midfield role. 

Andrei Shevchenko and Drogba stayed up high as both opposing central defenders were forced to mark a man. This proved extremely successful for Chelsea. Drogba bagged a goal when Shevchenko was on the pitch, or when two strikers were employed. The 4-4-2 diamond system opened up great space for Drogba to be able to operate.

Drogba was able to use his large physicality and goal threatening prowess which is so crucial to his game. He is a huge target player and when partnered with another striker, he is lethal. This is what makes him a top 5 striker in the world.

Furthermore, in 2006-'07, Drogba’s goals were crucial to Chelsea. He scored in the Carling and FA Cup Finals in Chelsea’s victories against Arsenal and Manchester United. He also scored 2 hat-tricks, game winning goals against Barcelona, Liverpool, and Everton, while being named African Footballer of the Year.

It is because of the system.

Now we turn to Chelsea in 2008 and we see problems. It is very obvious that Chelsea lack something to their game. They’re simply not getting the job done. Drogba, if employed in a 4-4-2 system, can restore order like he did two seasons ago at the club. Anelka, who is in fantastic form, would be the perfect partner for Drogba. He would be able to draw in defenders, is capable of holding the ball while using his blistering pace.

These are things Shevchenko could not offer.

Furthermore, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, and Deco could form a midfield diamond. Deco would be key to this system as the peak of the diamond at the 10 spot. He would play the attacking creative role that he is known for and would provide great service for Drogba and Anelka. Also, Deco’s influence at the peak would allow Lampard and Ballack to get more involved.

They all need to hit top form, to keep Chelsea in the hunt.

Mikel is perfect for the holding role in this system. He provides stability to the injury-plagued back four. He is an excellent distributor of the ball and dictates tempo of the game. Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa are in the form of their lives as they are showing they are two of the best outside defenders in the world. Their presence up and down the flanks has made Chelsea so dangerous this season.

The wingers are sacrificed, but Solomon Kalou and Florent Malouda have been very disappointing this season. Joe Cole is creative enough to come off the bench and play in Deco's attacking midfield position. Cole has shown time and time again that he can play behind two strikers and provide some creative brilliance. 

The pairing Drogba and Anelka in a 4-4-2 diamond system will at least provide more goals for Chelsea and stop their poor run of form. Luiz Felipe Scolari must do something different and mix up his forward partnerships.

Every manager must be willing to take risks in order to succeed in the Premiership. Which risk is it, Mr. Scolari?