I started writing this article before Florent Malouda slotted home two goals against Birmingham City on wednesday night. What might have appeared prescient back then may appear banal and obvious now – but it’s still worth evaluating Malouda’s rise back to prominence at Chelsea this season and the way he effects the Blue’s style of play.
There’s been plenty of talk amongst Chelsea fans regarding Didier Drogba’s late-season renaissance. The 33-year-old has certainly kicked on over the last couple of weeks, having clearly done away with all his illness-related worries, found his fitness and re-established himself as a threatening figure in Chelsea’s attack. But he’s not the only player to have started showing the form that made him such an asset to Chelsea last season. I’d argue that Florent Malouda has also shown signs that he’s re-finding his feet in the Premier League.
Malouda and Drogba – along with the rest of the Chelsea frontline – haven’t had the best of seasons. This of course, is a key reason why Chelsea will fail to retain their title this year. Their late-season form, however, may well suggest that they have at least another season in them at the club and that they could aid Chelsea’s quest for silverware next year.
When Florent Malouda is in form he brings out the best in both Nicholas Anelka and Didier Drogba. I have no doubt that if Malouda can develop some kind of understanding with Torres that the Spaniard would benefit massively. Having taken in the Champion’s League game between Manchester United and Chelsea and Chelsea’s game against West Brom, it appears to me that Malouda has turned a corner and is putting in decent performances once more.
The Frenchman looks most comfortable out on the left. It’s when he cuts in field that Chelsea look uncomfortable. His presence unsettles the other players and congests the midfield which often results in play being broken up. I’m not entirely sure why he insists on cutting-in like this – perhaps it’s because he’s seeking goals – it’s easy to forget that Malouda was scoring goals for fun at the beginning of the season, but more often than not his decision to do so has cost Chelsea.
He needs to remember that he’s a winger and that it’s his duty to provide Chelsea with some width. He’s far more effective crossing the ball into the box and ensuring that the strikers have something to work off. At the moment Chelsea’s play is much too narrow and they don’t have the quick, accurate passers in their squad to profit from that kind of compressed, congested set-up.
Somebody at the club needs to have a word with him. If he played to Chelsea’s strengths, I have no doubt he’d be hugely influential for the club next season.
There’s no denying that when Malouda plays well he’s a genuine asset for Chelsea. If Malouda can learn to keep the width and continue to put in decent performances on a weekly basis then there’s no way I’d want to see him leave Chelsea next season.
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