After a robust begin to the season beneath new supervisor Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have critically dropped off in current months.
Since twenty second December, the Blues have received simply two Premier League video games, struggling losses to Ipswich City, Fulham and Manchester Metropolis, whereas drawing with Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth.
This poor run of kind has seen Maresca’s facet slip from second within the league – simply two factors behind leaders Liverpool – to sixth place, with the potential for European soccer subsequent season now in critical doubt.
The reason for this decline is unclear, however from the surface, it appears to be a mixture of things: a squad stuffed largely with younger, inexperienced gamers, Maresca’s battle to handle an over-inflated squad that has turn out to be tougher to regulate because the weeks go by, and a scarcity of high quality in key positions.
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In aim, as an illustration, Robert Sanchez has been probably the most error-prone ‘keeper within the Premier League this season, seemingly costing Chelsea factors week after week.
In the meantime, on the different finish of the pitch, Nicolas Jackson’s targets have dried up and Christopher Nkunku usually appears to be like aloof, together with his thoughts seemingly elsewhere throughout his cameo appearances within the prime flight.
Whereas little enterprise was completed in January, Maresca will little question be hoping to make use of the summer time to reassess his squad and usher in contemporary expertise able to assembly his expectations and delivering for the Stamford Bridge trustworthy.
With that in thoughts, listed below are 5 gamers we consider Chelsea ought to goal in the summertime.
1
Alessandro Bastoni
Inter
Chelsea at present don’t have any fewer than eight centre-backs of their squad, however other than the injured Wesley Fofana, none has totally satisfied this season.
To enrich Fofana’s tempo, energy and relentless angle, the Blues have to pair him with a composed, ball-playing defender who may also help regular the ship. Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is arguably the perfect instance of such a participant in Europe as we speak.
An outstanding passer and astute dribbler, the Italian is as composed as they arrive relating to enjoying the ball out from the again. Standing at 6 foot 3, he is additionally a bodily presence, able to profitable the ball cleanly within the air and on the bottom.
Whereas he could be a dream and a smart acquisition, Bastoni is at present tied to Inter till 2028, so he could require a big-money bid.
Chelsea actually have the monetary muscle to make such a splash, and together with his fellow countryman Maresca on the helm, a reference to the supervisor may assist persuade him to check his luck in a brand new league.
2
Johan Bakayoko
PSV Eindhoven
Except the superb Jadon Sancho, Chelsea’s wingers have been underwhelming this season. Pedro Neto has scored simply twice within the Premier League, whereas regardless of netting seven targets, Noni Madueke has annoyed Maresca and Chelsea followers with lacklustre performances, selfishness within the remaining third and an lack of ability to trace again.
Mykhailo Mudryk, in the meantime, stays suspended after failing a medicine take a look at.
To deal with their points on the precise wing, the Blues ought to goal Madueke’s former PSV Eindhoven teammate, Johan Bakayoko.
The Dutchman scored 14 targets and registered 14 assists for PSV final season, incomes a number of particular person honours.
He is continued his spectacular kind this season with 9 targets and three assists, and has stood out together with his tight management, footballing intelligence and talent to attain with each ft – qualities he showcased in spectacular style when he netted towards Liverpool within the Champions League.
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3
Milos Kerkez
Bournemouth
Along with strengthening their choices at centre-back and right-back, Chelsea additionally want extra depth at left-back. Marc Cucurella has been stable to date this time period, however he cannot be anticipated to play each match, whereas Malo Gusto is unable to function on that flank.
Furthermore, younger Renato Veiga has now left for Juventus for the remainder of the marketing campaign, and Ben Chilwell has moved to Crystal Palace. Subsequently, somebody new could also be being lined up for the summer time.
A standout acquisition right here, no less than in our view, could be Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. One of many standout defenders within the Premier League this season, the Hungarian has been defensively stable and dynamic going ahead.
His all-around sport was on full show throughout a man-of-the-match efficiency in a 2-1 victory over Manchester Metropolis in November. Kerkez contributed each assists for Bournemouth on the day, together with three clearances, two ball recoveries and an interception.
4
Diogo Costa
Porto
Chelsea’s want for a brand new goalkeeper is maybe their most urgent problem, with Robert Sanchez having already made 5 errors resulting in targets within the Premier League this season.
Porto’s Diogo Costa could be a particular improve, and at 25 years previous, he’s a participant who might be the Blues’ No 1 for a few years to return.
Costa has been considered one of Europe’s most dependable goalkeepers in recent times, recording 78 clear sheets in 183 appearances for Porto, together with 11 in 20 league video games this season.
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5
Victor Boniface
Bayer Leverkusen
Chelsea have lengthy been trying to find a successor to the legendary Didier Drogba, who tormented Premier League defences together with his energy, ability and an unrivalled capacity to carry out when it mattered most at Stamford Bridge.
Whereas Nicolas Jackson’s link-up play may even surpass Drogba’s, his lack of medical ending is changing into a rising concern, with the Senegalese striker usually costing the Blues precious factors.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface not solely suits the Drogba mould – massive, robust, dominant within the air, and surprisingly deft for his dimension – however he’s additionally way more ruthless in entrance of aim than Jackson.
Because the begin of final season, the Nigerian has scored 30 targets, averaging a aim each 103 minutes, whereas Jackson has discovered the online 26 occasions, with a aim each 204 minutes.
