Chelsea's U-21 team played a possession-based style with the #10 playing a key creative role. Defensively, they were well-organized and focused on maintaining their structure. The #10 stood out offensively with his passing and chance creation, while the center back partnership was solid defensively. Overall, Chelsea dominated possession but failed to score, with the goalkeeper and defense performing well to earn a clean sheet.

1. 1
Chelsea Under-21 Team Analysis
CHELSEA U-21s vs MAN CITY U-21s
Vs. Manchester City Date: Friday 17th
August 7pm ko Score: 0-0
Weather: Sunny, mild, air quite thin Pitch Condition: Pristine, first game of season – ‘as new’
Pitch Dimensions: Slightly narrow Standard: Premier League U-21 Group 3
Additional Information (fans involvement etc.): Played at Griffin Park, Brentford FC – attendance circa 3,000 with chants in favour of Chelsea FC
CHELSEA
Formation: 4-3-3 variations Style of Play: Try to play football where possible and attack wide areas. Standard: Reserves
Systems of Play: Team organised into 4-3-3, 4-1-2-3 or 4-2-3-1
Default Variation I Variation II Opposition Defensive

2. 2
WITH POSSESSION
Style of Play: Passing is short and crisp and movement is fluid across the board, players more than happy to inter-change positions and move into
different areas of the field.
Good attacking width – wingers have skill and confidence to beat their markers, plenty of passes to both fullbacks and both went forward where possible.
Attacking and defensive tasks are split across the team and players capable of handling both duties at moderate to very good levels.
Team did try to dominate and take the initiative and would have been worthy winners.
Player Involvement and Confidence: #10 involved In most positive phases of play – always looking for the ball and was confidently spraying passes
down both channels.
#7 comes in from the right to get involved but sometimes at the expense of running into the space behind the defenders, confident enough to take free-
kicks.
#8 and #6 happy to share passing duties in midfield but #6 really comes alive when in defensive phase and trying to win the ball back.
Attacks are a variation of tidy and patient build-up as well as long passes.
# 10 played most frequent passes across the flanks – team more than happy to circulate the ball at a slow to medium tempo but did well to increase
tempo and limit touches in final third. Playmaker duties assigned to # 10.
Creative or Dangerous Players: #10 outstanding from the start – always looking for the ball and was confidently spraying passes down both channels –
faded in and out after very strong start and seemed pre-occupied with defensive duties and found himself very deep. Has a good touch and an effective
trick or two but alongside his opposite number, best two gifted players on show.
Tendencies: Play runs through # 10 – #7 goes inside off his wing to look for the ball, always looking to receive to feet and play out again in one or two
touches with mixed success, #11 also tends to look for the ball coming off his wing – #8 and #10 interchange positions very well – #10 does his best work
in opposition third but goes to look for the ball in all areas of the pitch.
Success: #4 and #3 are strong centre-back partnership, very good readers of the game – #2 attacked well and went forward well just lacking final ball. #8
closes down very well, excellent athlete, strong, powerful and good and confident on the ball – #9 strong effort with left foot on goal and good forward
runs.
Chances are created through a mix of wide players cutting inside, quick passes to feed the third man running, overlapping full-backs following switch-play
and RW and LW running at defenders and finding CF or incoming midfielder on the edge of the box - #10 has goals in him.
Pace: Both full-backs are quick with plenty of running in their legs – plenty of pace across the team - #4 is quick but is still happy to stay in the line rather
than drop to compensate – lack of pace clearly in #9 who looked stiff – the substitutes that were introduced also possessed a fair amount of pace,
particularly #14. Overall a dangerous threat as a team on the break whilst also quick and athletic enough to cover in defensive situations.
Areas to exploit: Provide intense pressure when #6 is on the ball, can be pressured into mistakes which are more likely when he is forced to play long
Press #10 when on the ball and not allow him time on the ball – potential to assign a man-marker or alert CF when #10 drops deep to receive ball.

3. 3
Areas for improvement: Team need to work to improve passing out to the wide channels - particularly when full-backs overlap, attacks were
slowed or broke down as a result of FBs/Wingers having to check their run or come inside to receive ball, however, are the runners going too early?
#10 drops very deep, sometimes settling behind the play in order to receive the ball so could work on improving his movement into dangerous areas and
become tactically aware of creating space for others - doesn’t always have to have the ball at his feet to be an effective player, could he spend more time
in opposition third? This would allow #8 or #6 to receive ball off the back four and GK.
Couple of chances dropped on left foot for both #9 & #7, work on finishing ability in these areas (ball dropping unexpectedly). #9 was unlucky with one-on-
one chance but play could be developed in this area too (composure, not snatching at chances).
WITHOUT POSSESSION
Organisation: Back-line very well organised after nervous opening period, lots of communication as the game progressed – #3 and #2 dictate height of
the line. Attacking unit happy to let opposition back four have possession of the ball. When ball is in middle third, level of pressing is intensified but still
calm and composed defending.
Defenders have a preference to jockey and wait for cover tackle when opposition are on the ball in final attacking third – offside trap rarely used.
Very good co-operation between GK and defenders although GK also tries to encourage quick movement in counter-attacking periods.
Team not overly aggressive when going in for challenges although # 6 had good battle with opposition # 10 and mentally got the better of him.
Concentration: # 9, although isolated could work on being more alert when his own centre-halves go for high balls, found himself behind opposition
defenders when ball was headed in his direction – #3 and #2 very good at keeping eyes on the ball when faced with tricky striker (opposition # 9) – #5
sometimes gets caught deeper than the rest of back-line.
When opposition keeper has ball, #11 or #7 (depending on which side opposition has the ball) picks up one of the centre-halves along with # 9 while the
opposition full-backs are left unmarked.
Aerial Ability: #3 and #4 both strong in the air, #3 best header of the ball on the pitch which wasn’t taken advantage of at set-pieces, #2 strong in the air,
#5 needs work on his timing, has an incredible leap but jumps too early.
Tackling: Players tend to stay on their feet to force opposition into conceding possession and team is generally well disciplined although #3 dived in on
one occasion and was exposed as a result - #4 was on hand to make recovery blocks, interceptions and tackles where needed - #6 strongest player in
this area.
Tendencies: # 3 got drawn to the ball on throw-ins on a couple of occasions and could have left that duty to midfielder – rest of team well-organised
though could react slightly quicker.
Areas to exploit and how: #5 and #3 can be targeted, particularly in switch plays and encouraging players to join attacks to create 2 v 1.
Both wingers come inside so when possession is won, counter-attack needs to be at maximum speed and into space, full-backs should also push forward
to support this phase. There will be space and big gap to exploit when full-backs go forward, wingers not committed enough to drop back.

4. 4
TRANSITION PHASES
Organisation: Quick organised counter-attack when on the ball in the attacking phases although most success when maintain slow build-up play when
ball is won.
Team has strong understanding of roles and when to pick players up, press and stand-off
Concentration: Could be improved – slow tempo and patient passing and build-up meant that quality and conviction was lacking at certain points, biggest
examples in five to ten yard passes being missed - Slow concentration when possession is lost
Tackling: #8 was wary of giving away fouls on certain occasions and could’ve gone in stronger on a couple of challenges
#6 always hungry to win the ball back quickly
Pace: Plenty of pace across the team as a whole and is a strength to draw on in counter-attacking movements, passes however need to be played in
space in front of runners to allow them maximum opportunity to operate effectively.
Tendencies: If ball is given away, player responsible is sometimes slow to react and win possession instead allowing opposition to make pass to team-
mate before switching on to defensive shape, #7 biggest culprit
Areas to exploit and how: Opposition teams are able to take advantage through quick passing once possession is regained. Particularly if full-backs
have joined attacked, there will be space to exploit on either flank. Could also expose space left in midfield when one of the runners (likely #8 or #10) joins
an attack that has broken down.
GOALKEEPER
Size & Build: Tall, strong, very athletic with great reflexes
Aerial Ability: Strong and comfortable in the air – very comfortable and confident
when handling high balls
Shot Stopping: Excellent save in early moments of game –
showed good concentration too – on 55 mins great athleticism to
go down low to his left to prevent goal – great save. Fantastic
reaction this time to his right at the final whistle – very good
goalkeeper – would be difficult to beat on this showing
Kicking: Good and competent – happy to play out to CBs to encourage and start
build-up play
Communication: Very good, loud and clear although tried to get
too involved in attacking phases which created confusion and
hesitance from team-mates on a couple of occasions, also noticed
tone of his voice changed from calm and composed to quicker and
more panicky in these situations
Command of Area: Excellent – very strong coming out at set-pieces and organising
defenders
Starting Position: Not required to mop up behind often but also
happy to start on edge of box for sweeping duties
Decision Making: Wasn’t tested on too many occasions but made good decisions
throughout the game particularly when coming out for crosses/high-balls/set-pieces.

5. 5
Preferred Distribution: Quick throw to feet of defenders
How to beat him: Shots need to be placed wider than his reach if aiming low, curled
out to in or fired in with pace – test him early from long-range
SET - PLAYS (ATTACKING)
Set Up: Not too many of note – # 10 most frequent taker – both CBs go up on corners
Concentration: Desire could have been greater to meet set-pieces but were delivered too high to be met aggressively
Exploitable Areas: Quick full-backs are left to defend at half-way line – potential to slow possession when set-piece
SET - PLAYS (DEFENDING)
Set Up: 2 men on both posts
Concentration: High – strong desire to mark opposite man and also had confidence provided by goalkeeper in dealing with high deliveries
Number in Wall and on Posts: 2 men on both posts – 4 to 5 in wall including one charger in dangerous situations – just 2 in free-kicks on the flanks
Exploitable Areas: Deliveries need to be whipped in to ensure that keeper stays on his line, could be vulnerable on second balls when both men come
off their posts – could also be blocked or assigned a marker in order to limit his ability in the air
THROW INS
Distance: From Were:
Special Arrangements: Clever Movements:
KICK OFF
Focus is to keep the ball and this included playing ball back to defence or GK – possession is key – start narrow and play out wide, be patient.
REACTION TO GOING BEHIND
Team:
Bench:
REACTION TO GOING AHEAD
Team:
Bench:

6. 6
PLAYER ANALYSIS
# Position & Description Performance, Strength's & Weaknesses
1
JAMAL BLACKMAN
GK – giant, agile, great reactions
Outstanding display put him in top three of performers – deserved his clean-
sheet.
2
TODD KANE (c)
RB – quick, medium build, strong
Skipper who led by example but was let down by the passes into him apart from
one occasion however, decided to play inside instead of continuing outside run.
Kept possession very well and was happy to lead the back-line.
3
ALEX DAVEY
RCB – big, strong in the air and in the
tackle, not lightning but not slow either
Mis-timed attempted dive into a tackle and slow to an early challenge – great in
the air – tired towards the end when reactions and concentration decreased but
continued to defend well
4
NATHAN AKE
LCB – the epitomy of composure, never
looked rattled, athletic and great reader
of the game
Made majority of clearances and blocks – calm and composed defender with
good left foot – opposition # 16 gave him more of a problem but did well to cope
– stand out defender
5
AZIZ DEEN-CONTEH
LB – panicked on a couple of
occasions, outstanding going forward
but was asked plenty of questions
defensively – did well to cope
Inconsistent game – found feet with the ball to his inside man on his left foot
every time but struggled to pick out any other passes – also looked worried about
pace of man he was marking – gets forward well but should DEMAND the ball
more. Several good and forceful runs and battled well with opposition #2 –
looked burdened by defensive responsibility which held him back when going
forward – threat in the attacking third.
6
GEORGE SAVILLE
LCM – strong tackler and good passer
Strong tackler with both feet – cultured passer on left foot – needs to work on
intensity of pressure when without the ball as he should be confidence to be able
to win the ball back with force
7
LEWIS BAKER
RW – lively, happy to come inside,
good technical ability
Good strength to win ball back – confident on the ball – always looking but just
needs to work on the simpler passes which he tended to mis-place. Very good
use of both feet – fantastic engine and work-rate
8
NATHANIEL CHALOBAH
RCM – tall, mobile, athletic and picked
his runs going forward – won majority of
50-50s
Excellent midfielder with good all-round ability and engine, strong tackler but as
he’s so strong doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt with refereeing decisions –
physically ready for the first-team on this display - subbed at 75 for #12

7. 7
9
PATRICK BAMFORD
CF – lack of pace and killer instinct but
relentless work ethic and didn’t hide
Subbed at 65mins for # 14 – surprised he was able to still move with the amount
of running he did – had a couple of chances to get on the score-sheet
10
BILLY CLIFFORD
CAM – outstanding, looks like a typical
talented Iberian player
Constant menace – string puller – looked liked he was asked to drop deeper in
the second half to dictate tempo – far too deep to be of any threat though on
several occasions. Grew frustrated towards the end after introduction of subs
(waving arms in the air) – needs to understand that play can’t always go through
him and that he can do his bit for the team by acting as decoy, show for the ball,
create space for others - desperately unlucky to hit the bar when he deserved the
goal for his performance and good idea with curler that was comfortably held –
exceptional talent. Best player on the pitch.
11
LUCAS PIAZON
LW – tall, good feet and difficult to
regain possession from
Came inside from left hand channel with plenty of success – quality of his
passing was at a high standard, technically gifted with superb vision and
awareness of team-mates.
14
THORGEN HAZARD
CF – medium build, very quick and
switched on when not in possession
Introduced on 65mins for # 9 – dropped much deeper than # 9 but did well to get
the ball out of his feet quickly – lively and very mobile, ready and able to nip at
heels of opposition at any given opportunity – made a strong impact
12
REUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK
RCM – bigger than the man he
replaced – could easily play at CB
Came on for #8 after 75 mins – physically a like-for-like replacement but more
intense pressuring – technically not at same level as #8 but still good on the ball
and confident to receive it
15
ALEX KIWOMYA
RW – looks to have plenty of pace but
no opportunity to really show it
Came on for #7 at 80 mins – clearly has that raw pace and good ball control, skill
and ability but lack of conviction and late stage of match meant that he couldn’t
make as big an impact as he could have.

8. 8
GENERAL PATTERNS OF PLAY
ATTACKING
MOVEMENT
POSITIONAL
INTERCHANGE
OVERLAPS

9. 9
#10
POSITIONS
ACROSS
THE
PITCH
HOW TO BEAT THEM
1. COUNTER-ATTACK SPACE LEFT BY ATTACKING FULL-BACKS
2. ASSIGN MARKER OR GET TIGHT TO PLAYMAKER #10
3. PRESS OPPOSITION INTO MAKING ERRORS PARTICULARLY #6 and #7
4. WIDE MIDFIELDERS SHOULD STAY NARROW AS OPPOSITION WINGERS LIKE TO COME INSIDE – BACK FOUR BE AWARE
5. GOALKEEPER VERY GOOD AT HANDLING HIGH BALLS AND OPPOSITION DEFENDERS WILL REMAIN STATIC AND WAIT FOR BALL TO
ARRIVE – CROSSES NEED TO BE DRILLED IN AND MEN IN BOX NEED TO MAKE NEAR POST RUN TO MEET THE BALL

10. 10
RECOMMENDED TACTICS
• 3
man
midfield
to
match
up
man
for
man
-­‐
#7
could
latch
on
to
opposition
playmaker
by
dropping
deeper
when
Clifford
moves
into
advanced
positions,
however
when
Clifford
tries
to
pick
up
ball
from
deep
positions,
McAlinden
(#10)
would
drop
slightly
deeper
to
apply
pressure
and
force
play.
• 3
man
attack
with
wide
players
staying
high
in
order
to
occupy
opposition
full-­‐backs,
Winnall
(#9)
has
the
pace,
guile
and
work
ethic
to
trouble
Kane
or
Aziz-­‐Conteh.
• When
Wolves
regain
possession
the
first
option
on
the
pass
should
be
to
one
of
the
wingers
on
either
side
depending
on
where
the
space
is.