Why Crespo is a gamble for Ranieri

13 April 2012

Claudio Ranieri says that he never picks his team until the night before a match. The Chelsea coach, at least for another few matches, likes to see how his players shape up in that final training session, assess who is feeling feisty and who looks languid.

It is only after that, he says, that he selects his line-up. Whether he keeps it all in his head or commits his team to paper we don't know, although there are times when his critics say he must just use a pin.

Ranieri will never pick a more important Chelsea team than the one for tonight's European Cup semi-final, second leg against Monaco, especially after the pig's ear he made of his substitutions in the first match.

The Italian, who on occasion finds the temptation to tinker with his lineups too much to resist, has to get this one right if Chelsea are to have a chance of making the final. Most of the team picks itself, although that can be a dangerous statement where the Tinkerman is concerned.

But Ranieri ' s biggest dilemma is surely up front.

Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is the one constant. He is certain to play - but alongside who?

If you are looking for a partnership, then it has to be Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. They say the best strikers come in pairs and there is no doubt that Hasselbaink and Gudjohnsen have forged a potent understanding.

The Dutch international is in no doubt he should play. "If I don't play, it will be very hard on me," he said. "The most important thing in this game is that we score goals - and I have shown this season that is what I do best."

Hasselbaink can support his argument with facts. Unfortunately for him, so can his main rival for that striker position, Hernan Crespo.

The Argentine also has scored regularly throughout his career, has considerable-European experience behind him, and netted Chelsea's only goal in the 3-1 defeat in Monaco.

His goalscoring record since he came to Chelsea for £16.8million from Internazionale last August has been impressive, with 12 goals from 21 starts.

But he has yet to convince the majority of the Chelsea supporters that he is the answer. While his predatory instincts cannot be questioned, he often appears laboured outside the box, even lackadaisical at times.

The Chelsea fans, brought up on a high-tempo Premiership diet, demand more for Roman Abramovich's money from both Crespo and his under-achieving fellow Argentine Juan Veron.

There is no doubt most of the supporters packed into Stamford Bridge tonight would rather see Hasselbaink alongside Gudjohnsen - but does Ranieri agree?

Statistics say probably not.

While Hasselbaink has started only two Champions League ties, playing against Besiktas away and at Highbury, his rival has been much more involved. Crespo was in the team for the match in Rome against Lazio, the home tie against Sparta Prague, both legs against Stuttgart, and the semi-final, first leg in Monaco.

So what will Ranieri do tonight? If he wants to be popular with Hasselbaink and most of the Chelsea fans, he will stick with the tried and trusted partnership of the Dutchman and the Icelander.

Ranieri is rarely entirely predictable, however, and there is a suspicion he holds the view that Crespo's superior technique is what is required in top-class European club football.

Whatever he decides - and by whatever method he arrives at his final striking pairing - this is one decision Ranieri cannot afford to get wrong.

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Why Crespo is a gamble for Ranieri

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