Nemanja Matic has slotted seamlessly back into life in the capital, following his return from Benfica during this January transfer window.
The midfielder came on as a second half substitute during the 3-1 win over Manchester United and more recently he started the FA cup game against Stoke on Sunday, paired with club legend Frank Lampard.
Matic produced an assured dispaly and his range of passing, his composure on the ball and his intelligent distribution all hallmarks of a successful return to the Chelsea side following a three year stint away at Portuguese side Benfica. When speaking to the Chelsea website Matic said:
“I think we played a good game, I played my first 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge so of course I’m very happy about that, but the most important thing was to win the game. I know most of the players here so maybe that’s helped me, and I feel confident because the manager showed his faith in me by playing me for the full game against Stoke.’
His role in this Chelsea midfield is primarily defensive, to break up opposition attacks and to ensure possession is back with Chelsea’s more offensive players. However his performance on Sunday suggests that he could prove useful in the advanced positions with a few precision balls in the final third.
“I always try to push the team forward,’ he says. ‘If I have to pass backwards of course I’ll do that but, for me, the first objective when I get the ball is to play forward. Defensive midfielders are very important in terms of providing balance. Also, if a team like to play on the counter it’s a role where you have to get on the ball early and help the team break.”
Matic hoping to feature frequently
Matic is looking forward to tonight’s match against London rivals West Ham and is looking to build on his impressive display against Stoke. Chelsea are in an incredible run of form themselves, since losing to Sunderland in the quarter final of the Capital One cup in December in 8 games Chelsea have won seven, drawn once and conceded just two goals.
West Ham by contrast have struggled this season and currently occupy 18th position, level on points with bottom two clubs Sunderland and Cardiff who are on 18 points, but with local pride at stake Matic doesn’t need any extra incentive to win this local derby.
“I like playing in derbies. For me, playing against a local rival is a big motivation to win and I’m really looking forward to the game. The Premier League is very fast and has some of the best players in the world so you have to be focused and concentrate for 90 minutes if you are to be successful”
