Chelsea should not be quick to rid themselves of experience
By Travis Tyler
It has become a common narrative that some of Chelsea’s older players need to depart. But the Blues should not be quick to lose the experience they bring.
Perhaps more than ever, Chelsea needs leaders. The vacuum left by the departures of Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, and John Terry has yet to be truly filled. The current leaders should be stepping up but have yet to take the step necessary.
Understandably, some have said that Chelsea should sell off some of the older, underperforming players. In a way, this makes sense, especially with some coming to the end of their contracts. But Chelsea should recognize that these players, even if they are not the leaders of old, still offer valuable experience that the squad needs to learn from.
The big names that have expiring contracts next season are Cesc Fabregas, David Luiz, Pedro, Olivier Giroud, and Gary Cahill. It is likely that one of (if not both of) Eduardo and Willy Caballero will get extensions and fall into the same situation next year. Chelsea could try to sell and make any profit off of any of those players, but they should be extremely careful if they do so.
Between them, these players have dozens of league titles, cups, shields, European titles and even a World Cup. And they may not be players capable of contributing to a team winning any of them again, but the experience of it from the past is incredibly valuable to a new generation that has yet to taste professional silverware.
That is not to say that Chelsea cannot lose a few of the players. Pedro and the goalkeepers are perhaps the most expendable currently. David Luiz, if he has truly fallen out with the management, should be sold. Giroud is bound to stay.
But keeping Cahill and Fabregas are near necessities for Chelsea. Even as depth, both have so much to offer the club.
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Both are fighters. Cahill has been benched for “better” players several times at Chelsea. And yet, each time he has buckled down and made himself a starter again. Fabregas was judged to be incompatible with a two man midfield. But he fought his way into Conte’s plans and is now a key player.
That is a valuable lesson that can be transferred to younger players. It is ok to be on the bench from time to time. What is important is that the player trains harder and forces their way back in.
Both players have also expressed interest in passing on what they know. For Cahill as captain, this is partially part of the job description. But for Fabregas, having spent his young years at Arsenal and Barcelona, it is purely out of a desire to help.
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Chelsea needs Cahill and Fabregas to stay around next season and perhaps longer. The Blues lack a true leader to rally behind like John Terry, so they will have to have leadership by committee until someone steps up. Cahill and Fabregas may become bit part players going forward, but their years of experience can only help Chelsea going forward.