How should Antonio Conte use the 60 million from Oscar transfer?
After four seasons at the Chelsea FC, Oscar is on his way to Shanghai SIPG for £60 million. Chelsea should invest that money in a central-defender and a wing-back.
It is a done deal and a sad – but inevitable – day for Chelsea fans. Oscar has been on the fringes of the lineup since last season. His performances were creditable but they did not rise to the level to merit a consistent starting position.
Chelsea have a stellar starting XI. With minimal changes to the squad the Blues are unbeaten in eleven games. But depth is still a matter of concern at Chelsea. If one of the first eleven suffer an injury, the bench does not have the proper firepower to replace him?
Oscar’s sale was a brilliant business move for Chelsea. £60 million is an extraordinary amount for the club to spend. With that much money, Antonio Conte can consolidate the squad and reinforce the side at every position.
There is something about Italian managers and defences. Completely overcoming last season’s debacle, Chelsea have conceded only twice in their last eleven matches. The Blues have the most clean sheets in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s three-man defence manned by David Luiz at the centre supports this solidity. Yet if Luiz were unavailable and John Terry needed to step in, the whole system could be vulnerable.
The Englishman is not comfortable in a three-man setting. He does not have the legs and agility to play in that position. Although Kurt Zouma can be a good option he has not yet had the opportunity to prove himself.
With Terry soon to hang up his boots, Conte can rekindle his desire for Antonio Rudiger or Kostas Manolas. Either players would be a rigid, no-nonsense central defender who can take the mantle from Luiz when needed.
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Victor Moses’s achievements at wingback this season have been impressive, but at the end of the day he is not yet a wing back. If Moses is doing so well now, imagine the possibilities if he is relieved of his defensive duties.
Marcos Alonso pretty much owns the left wing with stellar performances. Chelsea could complement Alonso by buying a natural right wing-back. This would free Moses up top to pursue offense with enhanced capabilities. More fundamentally, Chelsea would not be relying on a make-shift wing-back.
Antonion Conte has made it a point to give youth a chance this season. The bench features youth prospects awaiting their chance. Nathaniel Chalobah’s cameos have been an encouraging sight.
Chelsea may not need a marquee player to step in for Victor Moses. The Blues have a strong mix of experience and youth, but they need to augment their capabilities if they hope to continue dominating the Premier League and extend their success into the Champions League next season.
Next: Transfer news: Mikel John Obi and Marco van Ginkel set for exits
Besides, Chelsea has to spend the money somewhere, right? Let us know who you would like to see come in on the Oscar money in the comments below!