Should Chelsea change to a 4-4-2 and give Juan Mata a free role?

Juan Mata

There has been plenty of debate about Juan Mata this season. I am just wondering if Jose Mourinho should consider a tactical switch to a 4-4-2 formation that would allow Juan Mata to play with freedom?

Now before alarm bells start ringing, let me explain my thought process here!

We all know that Jose Mourinho likes his players to work hard without the ball and to work hard defensively. In the current formation, you have little choice but to do so, especially if you are one of our wide men in the attacking three playing behind the striker.

What about a tactical change to 4-4-2 to give our shape a better balance, and more of a structure throughout including the all important wide areas?

Not only that, but in the 4-4-2, I believe we CAN play Juan Mata and Oscar in the same team AND both through the middle!

Here’s my suggestion of a 4-4-2 formation for our home games:

I believe that in a game such as Palace yesterday, this would have been the ideal formation and team to play. If you just look at the shape it’s solid, no matter who is playing in each position.

For me, Oscar likes to drop deep anyway and pick up the ball. Why not play him next to Ramires? He could be our box to box midfielder and Ramires to play slightly deeper?

Two natural wingers in Hazard and De Bruyne but those can be replaced with Schurrle and Willian no problem.

Up top, Juan Mata would have licence to roam in and around Torres as if he would have a free role WITHOUT any defensive duties (Before you ask, do you ever see David Silva asked to work hard defensively at City or Ozil at Arsenal?).

What do you people think? Is this a better shape and would it give us a better balance?

Carefree & KTBFFH!