Chelsea squad SWOT analysis: Sizing up the Blues’ four lines
By Sahil Gupta
Things seem pretty odd around Chelsea right now. Even though they are looking forward to Sarri-ball, the thought of Eden Hazard leaving is horrific. After announcing the arrival of Maurizio Sarri and Jorginho on the same day, it seems the board has gone to sleep again. Let’s do the job they won’t.
Goalkeepers: Time running out on Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois’s position at the club is still very much in doubt. and this could end up hurting Chelsea in the end. The best rumours have Chelsea agreeing to a £35 million fee from Real Madrid, but there has been no follow up to that.
Courtois put up some splendid performances at the World Cup, but he still cannot be relied upon completely. He often leaves the Blues asking for more. Courtois has never denied links to Madrid, leaving fans to question his loyalty everytime. But after Willy Caballero’s mistakes at the World Cup, Chelsea cannot consider him having a run in the first team.
With Allison gone to Liverpool, Chelsea are now linked to Kasper Schmeichel and Petr Cech. Cech is no doubt a club legend and a fan favourite, but considering him as the first choice now is nothing more than a stop-gap.
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Schmeichel has shown great potential and could be ready for a step up in his career. He boasts considerable Premier League and international experience but has never played for a top club. Claude Puel has ruled out the possibility of him leaving Leicester, and there are not many top options remaining if Courtois leaves. Delaying his departure only leaves Chelsea with less time to replace him.
Defence: Strong options across the back
Maurizio Sarri operates with a 4-3-3, and the Blues have the most defensively reliable right back in the league. Cesar Azpilicueta will finally play in his natural position having played everywhere across the back line. His crossing is strong, as well, and could prove to be a go-to option given his telepathic connection with Alvaro Morata. Davide Zappacosta could still prove to be a decent backup, the kind who comes in handy in cup competitions.
Chelsea currently have four centre backs in David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Rudiger was arguably the most consistent centre back out of all last season. His pace would be a valuable asset against counter-attacking teams. Christensen ha great potential, but his inexperience shown through at certain points in the season. Gary Cahill is the captain, and a Blue through and through. His leadership and experience could prove to be pretty handy with Christensen and Rudiger still young in their careers.
Cahill has been linked to a move away, and Chelsea have been massively linked with Daniel Rugani of Juventus. Many reports suggested Chelsea have already reached an agreement at £44 million. Rugani is young at 23 years, but is definitely built for success and would be a great addition.
Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmeiri are more than capable of giving Chelsea a good outlet from the left. Alonso provides an extra attacking threat but Emerson is more of a natural left back and would prove more useful in a flat back four.