How Chelsea can line up with their new signings next season
After a transfer ban of two windows last season, Chelsea have gone all guns blazing this time around. Not a lot was expected from Frank Lampard in his first year managing Chelsea but he managed to secure Champions League qualification with a 4th-place finish.
It was evident that the team’s form tailed off during the second half of the season. They needed a last-day win to secure Champions League football for next season. Keeping that in mind, the Chelsea hierarchy have gone above and beyond to sign quality players.
So far, Chelsea have completed 5 prominent transfers namely Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, and Kai Havertz. The likes of Declan Rice and Edouard Mendy are also being considered as possible targets.
While all of them are clear starters, Malang Sarr will head out on loan for the coming season, as per Chelsea director, Marina Graniovskaia. Frank Lampard will definitely be happy with the prospect of working with so many fresh faces as well as last season’s youngsters who performed admirably.
Below, we will take a look at how Chelsea are likely to line up for the coming season with their new signings and imminent arrivals.
Dream Chelsea XI with all new signings
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – Kepa
Until a new goalkeeper arrives, it is Kepa Arrizabalaga who looks most likely to continue in goal.
Defence – Reece James, Antonio Rudiger/Kurt Zouma, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell
Chelsea were guilty of leaking in a lot of goals, which ultimately led to a sub-par season. The addition of Thiago Silva adds leadership, experience, and winning mentality to the backline. Ben Chilwell represents an upgrade on both Marcos Alonso and Emerson with his attacking impetus and defensive work rate.
The other centre-back position still remains open for competition but Rudiger will look to occupy it for the time being. Reece James had a breakout season and is expected to continue as a starter at RB.
Midfield – Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante
Kai Havertz is almost a done deal and will seamlessly slot in as a left central midfielder or as a number 10. Mateo Kovacic was one of the best players last season. He should continue as a holding midfielder. N’Golo Kante should complete the midfield, either in a double pivot with Kovacic or in a more advanced role.
Attack – Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech
New signings Werner and Ziyech are expected to start up front alongside Christian Pulisic. Ziyech is an automatic starter on the right after the departures of Willian and Pedro.
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Werner is definitely an improved option as compared to Tammy Abraham, who is likely to be a backup. Pulisic, on the left, completes the team, given his superb form at the tail end of the season.
There’s definitely room to tinker around given the squad Chelsea have. The likes of Mount, Jorginho, Hudson-Odoi, etc. are all good options to have if you are Frank Lampard. This season will no doubt be tougher but the legendary Englishman looks to have the tools necessary to cope with that.
