One reason was to accommodate both Torres and Drogba at the same time.
The second was to protect the two full-backs on the defensive line.
Everyone knew that Dortmund's wing attacks were incredibly sharp—it was their specialty.
The last reason was to secure the midfield.
Essien and Lampard were both renowned powerhouses in the European Football Scene, but that was during their peak.
Now, Lampard was about to turn 33. And although Essien was only 28, he was plagued by injuries.
The two major surgeries during the 08/09 and 09/10 seasons were particularly devastating. One was for a ruptured cruciate ligament, the other for a meniscus tear. Both were serious issues that kept him off the pitch for more than half a year.
Because of this, Essien was no longer the "Ghanaian Water Buffalo" of old.
He was more like a fragile flower now, having transitioned into a deep-lying playmaker.
