Chelsea appear on course to win the Premier League title, but their moves in the summer transfer window will define their time under Antonio Conte.
Chelsea fans came away from the Liverpool game feeling robbed of all three points. That in itself is a great indication of how well the season is going. However, when you look at the starting XIs of top six clubs, there really is little to separate them. Despite that, Chelsea have managed to get themselves nine points clear at the top. But their performances in big games have been somewhat suspect.
Jose Mourinho’s formula for winning the title was a simple and effective one. He wanted his team to never drop points against teams lower down the table. His approach to the big games was to set the team up not to lose.
He has drawn criticisms aplenty for this philosophy but the truth is that it works splendidly. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea have followed part of the blueprint as they have dropped just two points against teams outside the top six.
That has been the major driving factor behind Chelsea’s perceived dominance in the league. However, the fans and the club should not be lulled into complacency by this. While Chelsea have been flawless against the lesser lights of the league, it is against the top teams that vulnerabilities have been exposed.
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Chelsea have one of the best defences in the league. They cough up very few chances even when under a lot of pressure. When they do cough up chances, they’ve got Thibaut Courtois as the last line.
Defensive solidity has always been the foundation for winning titles at this club and so is the case this season. As the old adage does, defences win you titles. But the club and the owner have always aspired to be top dogs in the European scene and the performances in big games have shown just how much work needs to be done.
Chelsea have yet to put in a dominant attacking performance against a title contender. Some of the players have struggled to be effective and accurate on the ball under pressure and that is key to breaking the high press. The European game is bound to be of a quality similar to the top six, if not higher.
The Germans have mastered the art of counter pressing, the Spanish clubs have the best players in the world and France has some exciting young squads full of energy and talent. It is at this stage that Chelsea’s various shortcomings would be ruthlessly exposed.
Right from the back to the front, players need to be press-resistant and also calm under pressure. The long ball game is ineffective and Chelsea don’t have Didier Drogba anymore.
Across the pitch, Chelsea need players to be able to keep composure as the opposition close in and make good decisions on the ball. Playing hit and hope balls over the top is not an option because it would only help the other team.
Hence, Chelsea’s transfer strategy should be to target players like that in midfield and attack, specifically in wingback areas – an area that is very crucial to Conte’s system.
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Chelsea are lucky to have Nathan Ake and Andreas Christensen, whose talent sets are suited much more to this style of play. The re-signing of David Luiz will prove to be even more astute once we return to the Champions League.
However, Chelsea need a midfielder who combines workrate with vision and passing ability. Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante while excellent defensively are limited. The club needs to invest in a superstar goal-scoring wide forward for the right side. Pedro and Willian have been tremendous professionals for the club but neither is top notch.
Chelsea can’t afford to do what they did the last time they won the title. That lack of recruitment was one of the major factors behind Chelsea’s dire 2015/16 campaign. The crop of youngsters who are coming through right now have shown themselves capable enough to be excellent depth. This gives Chelsea full reign to pursue star names.
Depth is no longer an issue, star quality is. The upcoming summer will be of massive importance and will decide where the club end up in Conte’s second term.