Rafa Benitez tactics at Chelsea!

We have seen a rise within football of the 4-2-3-1 formation, used especially well by Chelsea. There are positives and negatives to this formation as the same with many. Coaches have to pick formations and tactics wisely for every fixture with different significances. The example of Chelsea using this tactic is perfect. They have there solid back 5 of Cech, Azpiluecta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole which allows for solidity and rotation within different positions. Then in front of them as cover they have the very versatile Ramires, who can play in a more advanced role if needed with the use of his pace and tactical awareness and alongside him the solid and free goal-scoring Frank Lampard, who allows for attacking impetus and defensive solidity. Then you have the 'three amigos' in front of them who can rotate and change positions, these are Mata, Hazard and Oscar. They allow for versatility, pace and awareness in and around the 18-yard area. Then with Torres leading the attack, who scored twenty goals in the 2012-13 season, is never a bad asset to have in front of the 'three amigos'

This picture allows us to see the use of the formation at Chelsea and the roles that different players can play. 

Rafa Benitez used the formation throughout his time at Chelsea and showed the success of it. He is very tactically aware and knows his team inside out. His players best positions and best abilities, therefore he knows the capabilities and how to set up his team for each encounter whether it be Manchester United or Stoke City. Using the 4-2-3-1 allowed for many changes to his team, for example he could push Lampard into the CAM role and drop Mikel into DM infront of the defence, or Ivanovic could move to RB and have Terry at CB. By knowing his squad in depth knowledge and having very strong knowledge on the opposition they are facing he can pick the right players for the right occasion. 

Looking at the stats for the season, I believe that Rafa Benitez has got the best out of Fernando Torres by using this formation. Having Mata, Lampard, Hazard, Luiz, Oscar and Ramires in and around him up top this season has allowed him to be a more versatile striker, where he could move to the right wing and find crosses for his team mates and help to set up goals rather than have all the pressure on him to score the goals.