Both his CMs had to get up and down in the system and cover a lot of ground. It certainly wasn’t a natural fit for Matic but he got the job done.
In any case, to win the PL easily with that first eleven so early on was impressive. There were obvious gaps in the squad and players were asked to do things they wouldn’t normally do, but players like Alonso and Moses ended up performing very well and having their best seasons in his system. He can make things work and there will be a few players in that Spurs squad that he will get a whole other level out of.
Kane is a better all round footballer than Costa and I think he can play as a physical nine. He is a lot more physical and, at times, dirty, than the media would have you believe. I think he can mix it up and be the physical number 9 that Conte needs.
Son is no Hazard, but he is lively and energetic and they have had a great partnership in poor teams and poor seasons. There is no reason to believe that they couldn’t produce under Conte. They are two very well rounded and flexible players.
They are a few signings away from having a team that wouldn’t be far off that Chelsea team. If the goal is top 4 and not a title, I fancy him to get it done. He is a machine in the league and won’t take the job if he doesn’t think he will have what he needs.
Moot point now, but I will need input.
Matic was never that energetic go up and down the pitch. He sits in front of their backline under Mourinho and Conte.
They benefit from not being in Europe. I and few other predicted Conte's Chelsea would struggle when they're back in CL, and they did. Their squad depth is poor. Conte's poor record in Europe for a reason.
By being physical, I meant dominating opposition CB, occupying him and take him out of the game. Didn't show under Mourinho who also favors dirty, physical forward. It's wishful thinking Kane would become one, where it's clear he's not heat type.
Son is very good with instinct finishing when being released to run behind the defense. Beside that, he offers very little during build up, and wing play. The so called partnership is more about Kane added another dimension to his game, feeding Son. Once Son lost form during the season, Kane just focused in scoring, and doesn't really benefit from Son, who I very underwhelming, feeding him.
Conte wants to win badly. He works for his own ambition. He's not the type that enjoy finishing top4 even if his boss says so. He would demand resource to build a team to win.