Jose Mourinho causes controversy wherever he goes, that’s just what he does. His outspoken views conjure up responses from both ends of the spectrum and it will be the same for the rest of his career. His decision to start the season without Juan Mata caused uproar across the nation, as did Kevin de Bruyne’s exclusion from the Champions League squad, but both are facing a lot of competition for a place.
The attacking options are dominated by the two previously mentioned, as well as Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian and Andre Schurrle, but it’s the deeper roles that I want to focus on, and a potential short-term solution to Frank Lampard’s aging legs.
Ramires has been the standout player in the Chelsea midfield so far this season and has been deployed next to Lampard in the double pivot. However, to thrive with the Brazilian you need the energy, stamina and the decision making that he does, and Lampard fails on the latter front.
Claudio Marchisio of Juventus is a man who has previously been linked with a Premier League move but without substance. He has played five games this season in Serie A as well as a Champions League clash with Real Madrid last night, and looks like the perfect option for Mourinho.
He has completed 88% of his passes so far and created seven chances, while hitting the target with 67% of his shots. He can play anywhere in the central areas, both defensively and in the forward options.
For me, there are few better in Europe who would suit Ramires, and hopefully this clip gives you a brief glimpse as to why.