Ramires gives City’s midfield a run for their money; Matic could see them bettered

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Following Nemanja Matic’s arrival at Chelsea, does Jose Mourinho now have a midfield to rival that of arguably the best in the country – Manchester City?

Nemanja Matic has returned to Chelsea with considerable fanfare, and that is no surprise when you consider the former Benfica midfielder is regarded as one of the best players in his position in Europe.

The man whose goal against FC Porto was nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award at the recent Ballon d’Or Gala is now back at the ground where you sense he feels he has unfinished business.

Matic has gone from being the makeweight in the deal to bring David Luiz to Stamford Bridge to the player with the ability to propel the Blues to the next level.

Chelsea’s midfield was strong before, but now it is considerably stronger. And when you consider that summer signing Marco van Ginkel is also still to return from injury, Jose Mourinho may soon have a midfield to rival that of Manchester City.

Below are stats detailing Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield compared with the players available to the Blues (excluding Matic and van Ginkel).

While Yaya Toure has the most goals and Jesus Navas leads in the assists, it is Chelsea’s Ramires who currently leads when it comes to tackles made. However, City’s Fernandinho is streets ahead in regards to interceptions, suggesting that most of his work is done quietly but effectively – which is exactly why Pellegrini bought him.

Toure also leads the way in accurate passes, more than double that of any Chelsea player apart from Ramires. But the Brazilian does win when it comes to ball recovery.

So in short, playing Matic alongside Ramires could dramatically alter Chelsea’s game, giving them another midfielder who can match and possibly outdo the team from the Etihad both this year and in the seasons to come.

image: © bensutherland