Chelsea close in on Pirlo - fans collectively ask themselves 'why'

Rumours suggesting Milan's Pirlo is on his way to Stamford Bridge have intensified over the past couple of days, not least because Galliani confirmed that his club has rejected an offer for the midfielder.

I can't pretend to be the authority on Pirlo. But, from my limited knowledge, he is a player not unlike Deco - good on the ball and a creative passer - who in the latter years of his career has played a slightly different role for Milan, dictating play from a deeper position. Undoubtedly he's a top class player, with exceptional passing from long or short range, but the idea that's he's on Chelsea's shopping list still beggars belief. He just isn't a player that Chelsea need, for two reasons. 

Firstly, the squad is already drowning in central midfield talent. Clearly Ancelotti sees the holding role in his diamond as vitally important, but Chelsea have two players in Mikel and Essien who are excellent in that position. Furthermore, we already have plethora of world class central midfield options to fill the other three beths in the diamond, not to mention wide players like Zhirkov, Malouda and Cole who could fill the left and right positions. There are other areas of the team where money could (and should) be more wisely spent.

Secondly, the well documented age of Chelsea's squad. Currently Chelsea's first team squad has eleven players aged 30 or over - more than the rest of the big four combined. Only four of those eleven play in defence (or in goal), and it's perhaps no coincidence that in the last few seasons Chelsea have remained excellent at the back but started to look slow and one-dimensional in attack.

This is a team that has come close to winning everything for the last two years - additions to the squad should not only address reducing the average age of the squad but also bring something new in attack. And if I were asked to come up with a strategy to inject some creativity into Chelsea's attack? Well, buying 30-year old deep-lying playmaker who has never played outside of Italy wouldn't be top of my list.

Comments

[chelsfan]

i dunno. perhaps Carletto feels that we need our holding player to have better distribution?

It's not Mikel's strongest suit, but would seem harsh on him if pirlo came in and took his place imho

[Isaac]

I don't agree with Pirlo coming into Chelsea at all. We don't need him for any reason what so ever. What happened to Mikel and Essien? Besides, Belletti can still play in a DM role. If you ask me we need a creative player up front and if Zhirkov can be properly utilised he can provide great passes for the team!

[Michael Hepp]

How old was Makelele when he came to Chelsea? I think people felt he was towards the end of his career but he served Chelsea very well during his time there. I feel Pirlo is of the same mold as Makelele and would provide us with a defending type that can neutralize players like Gerrard and Fabregas in big games. Not to mention the experience he adds from playing in tons of big games, and the added benefit of being pretty good at free kicks. Initially I was not a fan of this idea, but the more I think of how valuable a DM that can neutralize scoring midfielders, I like the idea more and more.

[Russell Saunders]

Welcome to the blog Isaac - thanks for your comment.

I have to say Michael I'm obviously with Isaac on this one. Pirlo is obviously a quality player - but surely Mikel and/ or Essien are going to be just as adept at breaking up opposition play? I suspect Pirlo will be signed (or is being signed) more because of his playmaking abilities.

You're right about Maka though. He joined when he was 30, and had plenty of football left in him. Perhaps I shouldn't rule Pirlo out on the basis of age so soon.

Oh - and there's a great youtube video of Pirlo doing a crossbar challenge from just outside the penalty box. Hits the bar about 7 times out of 10 or something ridiculous, look it up. So you're right about him from the deadball...