On the 5th of December 2014, Jeremy Wilson wrote in the Telegraph that Chelsea could emulate Arsenal’s ‘invincibles’. After a Matic-less hiccup at St James’ Park and a New Years Day capitulation to the hands of a Harry Kane inspired Spurs side, Chelsea have fallen short of Wilson’s bold prediction. Just how far are we from that level of perfection?
Let’s start at the back, the head and shoulders of the team. Thibaut Courtois has adapted fantastically to life in England, keeping Petr Cech out of the side even after a few minor errors – Mourinho’s faith in him is undoubtable. John Terry has recently signed a new deal and will be a starter in the centre throughout next season and hopefully into the next, who will stand either side of him is less certain. At left-back, Cesar Azpilicueta has impressed again, he has made that position his own even with the threat of Filipe Luís. However, it seems a shame to force such a talented footballer to play on his weaker side; I’m all for him replacing Branislav Ivanovic on the right who has shown some defensive frailty (even with his potency in the penalty area). If Filipe Luís decides enough is enough and leaves the club this summer, perhaps we will make moves for José Luis Gayà of Valencia. My uncertainty over Gary Cahill has grown and grown as the season has progressed, there is little doubt in my mind that Kurt Zouma has shown enough when given the opportunity to leapfrog Cahill in the competition for that spot. Eventually, Terry will need replacing – but not yet. Perhaps next summer the club will look to Raphael Varane, a Mourinho favourite; but personally I see no urgency for a starting centre-back while Terry and Zouma are able to perform as they have.
In midfield, for the first half of the season few could have any complaints with the pairing of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic. The Spaniard looked well on his way to beat Thierry Henry’s league assists record while Matic looked formidable in the middle. However, both of them have fallen off slightly since the turn of the year. Fabregas’s form and assist contributions have drastically dipped since Christmas, following suit with previously seasons. Matic’s presence can still be felt in the middle of the park, but the big Serb frequently gets caught pressing high and leaving space in behind. The return of John Obi Mikel will no doubt help, another combative midfielder to hold the fort and perhaps allow Fabregas to move into a more advanced role. Mikel has rarely been seen as any more of a utility option at the club however, and thus this may a position where we’ll look to strengthen in the summer. Ramires is an admirable athlete, but his techinical ability is limited and that raises question marks over whether he is good enough to play at this level. Paul Pogba’s name has entered the fray frequently over the past 18 months, he needs no introduction. Pogba is a phenom, and so is attracting interest from everyone who’s anyone in European football. Valued at around £65 million, Chelsea would need to sacrifice somebody to be able to afford the Frenchman – that somebody could well be Oscar. He too has fallen off since the start of 2015, and it was a similar story last season. Epitomising inconsistency, many are wondering whether time is running out in London for the Brazillian international. His sale would allow flexiblity in the market for the Blues, whether it be used to acquire Pogba or another top midfielder such as Koke. Alternatively, we could entrust our very own Ruben Loftus-Cheek who Mourinho expects to be one of the surprises of next season.
The front three, for me, are as good as we’re going to get. Eden Hazard is a shoe-in for the Balon D’Or at some time in the next few years, probably the best player in the country at the moment and well on track to hit 20 goals in a season for the first time in his Chelsea career. Diego Costa, barring a problematic hamstring, has enjoyed an electrifying start in England, scoring 19 league goals; we couldn’t have asked for anything better. Willian has moved up a level in recent months, for me. There are still question marks over his goal and assist contribution, but he works tirelessly for the team and is fast becoming one of our most important players. Once Cuadrado has a full pre-season and begins to adapt to life here, he will no doubt be in the mix for a position on the wings too. No further investment is required this summer.
Follow Jamie Wilkinson on twitter: @ParkedTheBus
