How Can Chelsea Lineup With AS Monaco Star Thomas Lemar In Their Ranks?
Chelsea are reportedly interested in a move for AS Monaco star Thomas Lemar after closely monitoring the £80m rated forward’s performances so far. Primarily an Arsenal target, Lemar was expected to join the Gunners over the summer but the move fell through at the last moment. Although Arsene Wenger would still jump at the prospect of bringing the young Frenchman to the Emirates stadium, it remains to be seen if he is willing to shell out the £80million needed to acquire his services.
With his Monaco future uncertain, the Blues could be looking to capitalise. Antonio Conte may rotate between Willian and Pedro but the Italian manager is understood to be in search of finding a stronger player for that position to match the impact made by Eden Hazard.
Lemar boasts of similar strengths to that of Hazard and it will be interesting to see how the duo pairs up for the London club. With the January window coming up, Conte might look at this as the opportune moment to land Lemar but Monaco are unlikely to let him leave in the middle of the season.
Hence, they might ultimately get to land Lemar only next summer but even then, it will be a good deal. As defending champions, Chelsea have endured ups and downs over the course of the season so far but lately, they seem to be in a good place. They seem strong enough to finish in one of the Champions League qualifying spots at the end of the season but this will not be enough. Roman Abramovich nurses higher ambitions and a player like Lemar could truly boost their chances.
That said, let’s take a look at how the Blues could line up with Lemar in the mix. The first and most obvious option is for Conte to stick with a 3-4-3. In that case:
Eden Hazard (LW)
Although Lemar is also a left-winger, Hazard is more experienced playing on that side for Chelsea and has been quite beneficial for the club over the years. Hence, Conte is likely to deploy him in his usual role.
Thomas Lemar (RW)
Lemar can also play on the right wing, thus making him an ideal choice to be a part of the attack alongside Hazard and Morata. His creativity and pace, combined with the Belgian’s skills could truly revamp Chelsea’s attack.
Alvaro Morata (CF)
Morata’s performances up front could also improve remarkably because of the support he would receive from the two men on either flank.
Another Option – 4-2-3-1
The second option is for Conte to utilise either Hazard or Lemar as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 set-up. In that case:
Thomas Lemar (LW)
Of course, Conte could do the reverse by using Hazard at left wing and Lemar as an attacking midfielder but for the sake of variety, let’s assume Lemar takes up duty as a left-winger.
Eden Hazard (CAM)
Hazard’s control and reading of the game as an attacking midfielder have been quite impressive as well, making this an interesting albeit unusual approach for Conte to consider.
Willian (RW)
Willian has been performing remarkably for Chelsea lately and he has made a strong case for Conte to keep him in the team even if Lemar arrives.
Alvaro Morata (CF)
Chelsea’s attack could look twice as strong with Morata spearheading the front-line in this lineup.