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    "@id": "https://niharikatimes.com/en/article/chelseas-349m-spending-questioned-as-midfield-faces-right-back-dilemma",
    "url": "https://niharikatimes.com/en/article/chelseas-349m-spending-questioned-as-midfield-faces-right-back-dilemma",
    "article_id": 4550,
    "headline": "Chelsea's £349m Spending Questioned as Midfield Faces Right-Back Dilemma",
    "summary": "Chelsea's decision to field two right-backs in midfield has raised questions about the effectiveness of their £349 million spending, with concerns over midfield creativity and balance affecting their performance. The unusual squad composition and lack of European football this season have highlighted challenges in tactical flexibility and squad depth.",
    "articleBody": "Chelsea's squad composition has drawn scrutiny as the team fields two right-backs in midfield despite spending £349 million. This unusual choice has sparked debate over whether the club is short on creativity and balance in key positions, affecting their performance this season.\n\nChelsea's decision to deploy two right-backs in midfield has raised questions about the club's squad planning. The £349 million spent on players has not translated into the expected midfield creativity and balance. Experts note that this setup leaves Chelsea vulnerable, especially when facing strong opponents like Arsenal.\n\nThe lack of creativity from the bench was highlighted by Arsenal's boss Mikel Arteta, who suggested that Chelsea's midfield options are limited. This has impacted Chelsea's ability to control games and maintain possession effectively. The presence of right-backs in midfield positions is seen as a tactical compromise rather than a strength.\n\nChelsea's struggles are compounded by the absence of European football this season, which some believe affects the team's motivation and mindset. The squad's composition, including the use of players out of their natural positions, reflects challenges in squad depth and tactical flexibility.\nयह भी पढ़ें\nChampions Arsenal Come From Behind to Beat Chelsea\nOdegaard and Saka shine in Arsenal’s win over Chelsea\nChoosing the Right Mascara for Longer, Fuller Lashes\n\nExperts argue that Chelsea must address these issues to avoid repeating mistakes and to improve their performance in upcoming matches. The current midfield arrangement does not resolve Chelsea's broader tactical problems, and the team needs to find better solutions to compete at the highest level.",
    "word_count": 269,
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    "published_at": "2026-09-06T19:52:41+00:00",
    "updated_at": "2026-09-06T19:52:41+00:00",
    "language": "en",
    "authors": [
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            "name": "निहारिका टाइम्स न्यूज़ डेस्क",
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        "Chelsea spent £349 million on players",
        "Two right-backs deployed in midfield this season",
        "Chelsea lacks creativity and balance in midfield",
        "Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta criticized Chelsea's bench options",
        "Chelsea missing European football this season"
    ],
    "faq": [
        {
            "question": "Why is Chelsea using right-backs in midfield positions?",
            "answer": "This is seen as a tactical compromise due to a lack of creative midfielders and squad depth."
        },
        {
            "question": "How has the midfield setup affected Chelsea's performance?",
            "answer": "It has weakened Chelsea's ability to control games and maintain possession effectively."
        },
        {
            "question": "What impact does missing European football have on Chelsea?",
            "answer": "It likely affects the team's motivation and mindset, contributing to their struggles."
        },
        {
            "question": "What do experts suggest Chelsea must do?",
            "answer": "They must address squad composition and tactical flexibility to improve future performances."
        }
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            "value": "£349 million",
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            "quote": "Chelsea's midfield options are limited.",
            "speaker": "Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta"
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