Five formations for Chelsea to fit in Werner, Ziyech and Kai Havertz as Lampard closes in on Leverkusen star transfer
FRANK LAMPARD is nearing a third star signing of the summer – but how will he fit them all in? After Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner were snapped up, Kai Havertz is reportedly on his way. The Bayer Leverkusen star is said to be in talks with Chelsea after telling his current club that he […]
FRANK LAMPARD is nearing a third star signing of the summer – but how will he fit them all in?
After Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner were snapped up, Kai Havertz is reportedly on his way.
The Bayer Leverkusen star is said to be in talks with Chelsea after telling his current club that he wants to move to West London.
Personal terms are described as agreed between club and player yet a transfer fee is still to be finalised.
Leverkusen want Havertz, 21, available for next month’s Europa League and are holding out for £90million.
Here, SunSport analyses how the Blues might line up with all three men in Lampard’s line-up.
4-3-3
Lampard’s favoured formation, the 4-3-3 fits into the philosophy of focusing on the positions where the squad is strongest.
With a plethora of top central midfielders, this setup provides plenty of scope for rotation between these three, Matteo Kovacic and Ross Barkley.
Havertz slots in as a ready-made replacement for Willian down the right wing.
And Werner can compete with Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud for the central striker’s spot.
3-5-2
Lampard has switched things up with a three-man defence a number of times this season, notably in the FA Cup win over Manchester United.
Reece James is well suited to bombing down the right flank on his own, allowing the aging Cesar Azpilicueta a more comfortable centre-back role.
This may force Havertz to drop back into a deeper midfield spot.
However, with N’Golo Kante and a chunky defence for support, the German and fellow forward-thinker Ziyech would likely have the freedom to push forward in this scenario.
4-2-3-1
A popular formation in modern football, the 4-2-3-1 would provide heaps of flexibility and fluidity for Lampard’s attacking mindset.
With Ziyech able to play in any of the five midfield spots and Havertz versatile across the attack, this setup could terrorise defences.
Werner can operate in the lone striker’s role with Mason Mount a good option in behind the striker.
The youngster can also be taken out for Kovacic or Jorginho if a more defensive mindset is required to protect a lead.
4-1-2-1-2
The diamond may not be a well-loved formation in English football, cheers Sven, but it certainly has potential for Chelsea.
Sacrificing Christian Pulisic, or playing him through the middle, may be tough with the American showing some amazing form later in the campaign.
Werner is well-versed in operating as a pair with RB Leipzig regularly opting for two up front.
This formation may also be the best way to fit Kovacic in, with the Croat one of Chelsea’s understated yet most crucial performers in 2019/20.
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4-3-2-1
The Christmas Tree is a rarely used formation yet could be the answer to Chelsea’s defensive woe.
The added security of Reece James in midfield can keep out opposition attacks.
And the academy product is more than capable of helping out higher up the pitch, with serious width in this side providing balls into the box for Werner.
Placing Ziyech out wide, this tactic can also utilise Havertz and Pulisic in free roles to create chances against stubborn defences set up for a point.