Matic needs to be replaced in X1!

Watching Saturday afternoon, it was immediately evident that our midfield is lacking. Matic a CM with great defensive abilities and physical presences, has lost his way and or is uncomfortable playing this new role.

Two years ago in our title winning season, Matic was deployed in a 2 man midfield along Cesc with the main objective being defensive cover for the back 4. Matic didn't have to worry about getting into the box, and then tracking back. I believe this is where it is hurting his form, he is expected to get in the box and track back and be cover now. He doesn't have the vision, finishing or passing to be playing the B2B role in midfield. This was evident during the game Saturday, when we broke for a counter attack early in the second half. Costa bursting up the middle and Hazard down the left flank, Matic had the ball on his left foot and clear line to send Hazard in. Instead of keeping the ball on the pitch, he passes poorly over Hazards head and the ball rolls out of play. Hazard immediately jumps and turns in disgust of the pass. He doesn't have the quality to transitions from defense to offense with that killer pass required, as a B2B should possess. Matic is also, not even winning aerial duels in midfield as much as he has two years ago. This may come down to that incident with Ashley Barnes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e852UDSWgTk). He might consciously be avoiding challenges now, in fear of injury. Which is understandable yet frustrating, as he is an immense presences in midfield.

Since we no longer have Matic playing that defensive midfield cover role, and Kante is now come in and filled admirably. We need a B2B to play IMHO playing next to Cesc, who can provide the creative outlet we desperately need. Oscar, Luiz, RLC, Chalobah, are perfect suited for what is required in the midfield 3. Oscar has already proven he can play in this role, and has actually impressed. Oscar possess the ability to press the opposition, tackling, finishing, vision, and quality on the ball to help with counters. We lose a bit of physicality with 3 man midfield of Cesc Oscar and Kante, but do we really need it with our style of play. Luiz would probably be perfect as well, as he brings the physicality, defensive awareness and the ability to ping pass around the pitch.

A B2B midfield that has these qualities; finishing, vision, ball control and tackling would allow our offense to attack quicker and provide another quality player in the box to finish those deflected shots...etc. Kante could and should be that anchor in midfield to cover the back 4. I read somewhere Conte likes to have 5 back at all times (including the goalie)...leaving the remaining 6 to attack. Costa, Hazard, Willan (Urgh), Cesc and Oscar (my preferred B2B midfielder) Azpi on the right.

TLDR...Matic doesn't have the quality to be our B2B Midfielder and we need Cesc on the pitch, so Oscar in for Matic and we have a winning combination.

edit X1-XI