Nemanja Matic – One of the Key Men in Chelsea’s 3-4-3?

Chelsea have been excellent since they changed to a 3-4-3 formation, scoring 16 goals and conceding zero in their last five Premier League matches. They are beginning to look like a side that can challenge for the league title this season now that Antonio Conte’s methods have been taken on by the squad. Their attackers have been given the license to roam and express themselves, while their defensive shape is much improved from the opening weeks of the season. There were doubts about Conte’s decision to use a midfield duo of Ngolo Kante and Nemanja Matic, as both are defensive minded midfielders. However, they provide the back three with plenty of protection as well as decreasing the defensive responsibilities of the attacking players.

The latter in particular has been given a new lease of life by the new manager at Stamford Bridge. There were rumours linking him a move away during the summer, but Conte decided to keep him and that decision is beginning to pay off. He now looks motivated and hungry to achieve more success in the Premier League, which wasn’t the case at times last season. The Serbian has enjoyed his new partnership with Ngolo Kante, with the two playing major roles in Chelsea’s recent form.

Against Everton, he only made one tackle and one interception, but he wasn’t required to do a lot of defensive work due to his side’s dominance. The midfield two are crucial in maintaining Chelsea’s shape, as the wing backs will push on and support the front three. This formation allows Chelsea to be very balanced, always having men in defence and attack. It is crucial that the side has two defensive midfielders in the centre of the park to provide cover at the back, but either can join attacks when required.

This season, Matic has already had five assists, one of which came on Saturday against Everton, highlighting how the midfielder now has the freedom to get forwards more. Although it isn’t the main part to his game, it shows how the central midfield are encouraged to attack, despite their main responsibilities being at the other end. As Ngolo Kante has more energy and mobility than Matic, the Serbian can be more disciplined with his movement, which has helped his game. Moreover, Matic provides the imposing physicality that Kante lacks. They complement each other well and will only improve as a pairing in the future

His passing stats from the match against Everton emphasise how he has improved his game with the ball this season. He finished the match with a pass completion rate of 92% from 86 passes. Matic is reliable in possession and rarely gives it away, normally opting for simple forward passes to the attackers. The transition phase has improved significantly since the change in formation and that is mainly down to how the two central midfielders have taken to their new responsibilities. On Saturday, Matic managed to complete three key passes, highlighting how he launches many Chelsea attacks from his position in the centre of the park.

Despite his impressive assist total, he has been one of the unsung heroes of Chelsea’s recent upturn in form. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have been taking the plaudits for their goal-scoring, but Matic has had a hand in the improvement in both the attack and defence. At the age of 28, the midfielder is in the prime of his career and will be an important figure as the season progresses. The central midfield partnership is the central concept to the 3-4-3 and as long as they both stay fit, Chelsea should continue to soar and could even challenge for the title.