With the pre-season just less than a month away, we thought it’d be worth looking at what the Chelsea line-up may be come August the 8th.
GK – Thibaut Courtois: With one full season in the Premier League under his belt, Thibaut will no doubt be Chelsea’s number one for a very long time. Establishing himself as the main man between the sticks, he’ll be looking to build on a successful first season at the bridge. With Petr Cech only a successful medical away from a move to Arsenal, it’s looking extremely likely that Thibaut will be in goal for the Blues next season.
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta: The ever solid Spaniard spent last season as Chelsea’s first choice left-back where he performed magnificently as part of the Premier League’s best defence. However this season, it seems like the right thing to do, starting him in his primary right-back position to replace an aging Branislav Ivanovic. Below provides proof that he’s better going forward at right-back than left-back via Squawka’s comparison tool. Left is the season just gone, right is 2012/13 season at right-back.
CB – Kurt Zouma: The impressive Frenchman came on leaps and bounds in this year’s campaign, proving his maturity and tactical awareness improvements. In pre-season he looked slightly naïve and inexperienced, however after a season under Jose, Kurt has been quickly regarded a possible future Chelsea captain. In the upcoming season I expect him to dislodge Gary Cahill and nail down a starting spot in the heart of the defence.
CB – John Terry: Ever present John will be entering his 12th consecutive season as Chelsea captain. The 4-time Premier League winner is like a fine wine, getting better with age. In the season just gone, his contribution cannot be understated and his presence in the spine of the Blues is irreplaceable. Playing every game in the 2014/15 season, he’s got to be the first name on the team-sheet come August 8th.
LB – Abdul Baba Rahman: The young Ghanaian had a fantastic campaign for Augsburg, helping them finish 6th in the Bundesliga. With an average of 4.8 tackles per game, the highest of any player in the Bundesliga, he’s ranked 7th in the most recent Bundesliga player index. Scouted by all the top clubs in Europe, he’s not short for suitors and with Chelsea winning the Premier League, SW6 is a desirable destination. At only 20 years old, he could be part of a Chelsea team that can dominate for many years.
CM – Nemanja Matic: The 6 foot 4 inch Serbian was brought back in January 2014 by Jose Mourinho, who could not understand why the club let him go in the first place. Already he’s became a vital part of Chelsea’s spine, providing the link between the defence and attack. His dominative play breaking up opposition attacks is key to the way Chelsea play and it would take somebody extremely special to displace him from Chelsea’s midfield.
CM – Cesc Fabregas: Signed by Jose Mourinho for what has appeared to be a bargain, the Spanish magician’s contribution alongside Matic was a crucial factor in Chelsea winning the league. Finishing the season with 18 domestic assists, 2 away from equalling the record in the Premier league, Fabregas has proved his worth so far and will continue to do so next season and so on.
RW – Raheem Sterling: Home-grown and the future of the English national team, Chelsea are very interested in the young winger according to Sky sources. With Liverpool wanting around £50m for him, Chelsea will look to negotiate that figure closer to the £40m mark. However with the interest from Man City, it would be of no surprise if Jose Mourinho insisted we pay the price, even if just to get one over on Manuel Pellegrini.
CAM – Willian: Spending most of last season on the right-wing, Willian’s form noticeably increased when he was shifted to play in the centre. His work-rate a key factor to this working as Jose expects a huge shift from each player and his attacking players are no different. The high energy Brazilian will look to pick up where he left off and hit the ground running next season as the Blues look to defend their Premier League title.
LW – Eden Hazard: Premier League player of the season, Hazard will be looking to become even more influential to the Chelsea team and continue his trend of increasing his statistics year-on-year. If Chelsea are to regain the title, a lot of that will rest on the 23-year-old’s shoulders. A potential Ballon d’Or winner, he’ll be looking to continue his excellent season with another successful one.
ST – Diego Costa: 20 Premier League goals in his first season and yet he can’t speak a word of English? Next season expect that goal tally to increase, as his knowledge of the language and the league can no doubt help his understanding with team-mates and inevitably result in even better performances.
Bench:
Asmir Begovic: Home-grown, back-up goalkeeper to fill the void left by Petr Cech.
Branislav Ivanovic
Gary Cahill
Ruben Loftus Cheek: Potentially the future of Chelsea’s midfield, academy starlet.
Ramires
Oscar
Bertrand Traore: Finally got a work-permit, set to return from loan, huge potential.
Falcao: Hoping to prove he still has what it takes, experienced, unstoppable on his day.
