Chelsea transfer ban plan, Part 4: Second chances for the forgotten Blues
By Karan Saini
Center backs
On the roster: Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz, Andreas Christensen, Ethan Ampadu, Gary Cahill
Taking responsibility and acknowledging the fans always more than anyone else is Antonio Rudiger. Signed from Roma under Antonio Conte, the German defender flourished in his first season at Chelsea and even now is the best of the defenders pack.
Rudiger brings aerial threat and defensive solidarity to the squad. Passing is another asset that he possess, with 2,341 passes completed he is third on the most passes made list. He never fails to take one for the team and makes necessary tackles during the game. Like Cesar Azpilicueta, if Rudiger starts leading from the back and lifts the team spirit, he can be an instrumental part of the club’s future.
David Luiz is in his second spell with the West London club now and has always been vocal about his love for Chelsea. If the transfer ban hits Chelsea this summer, the club would have to give Luiz an extension. Luiz would not turn down an extension from Chelsea, and considering the fact that it would be tough to find a replacement, the Brazilian seems to be a fit in the system
An impressive long range of passing makes Luiz a good option to pick in games where the opposition presses high and there is space for wingers to make runs and create goal scoring chances or score goals themselves. Although he has been poor for most of the season, Chelsea would have to retain Luiz for the next season to have squad depth if they want to have any real shot at titles next season.
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Young and talented Danish defender Andreas Christensen is an academy product. One of the rare academy players that Chelsea has called back from loan spell and introduced to the first team. Christensen flourished during his two year loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, where he was voted as player of the season in his debut season. The Bundesliga side even wanted to buy the 22 year old but Chelsea rejected their bid. Last season under Conte, Christensen made 40 appearances in all competitions and won the young player of the year award.
Maurizio Sarri has preferred Luiz over the young center back in the premier league, however he has played every Europa league game. With time, Christensen will only get better and will be an asset for Chelsea football club. Safe to say the center back position is safe even if the transfer ban hits Chelsea.
33 year old Gary Cahill was made the club captain under new manager Maurizio Sarri but has barely had any football action this season, playing only seven games in all competitions. Cahill was definitely not a name in the starting XI, but his not getting any game time is also surprising (perhaps just another thing that Sarri has stunned fans with).
The Englishman knows English football better than any other player on the roster. His contract expires at the end of this season and the club should give him an extension for a year or two as the club lacks leadership at the moment. Having an experienced presence in the locker room would surely help. Another reason to keep hold of Cahill would be to fulfill the home grown quota.
Ethan Ampadu is a great defender at just 18 years of age. He already has six appearances for the Wales national side. Wales boss Ryan Giggs predicts a magnificent future for the young player. Apart from playing as a center back or right back, he has also played as a defensive midfielder. A player that can fill in two positions at this stage is impressive. Just like David Luiz, Ampadu has the ability to make long balls from deep, which he has been doing for Wales and Chelsea. Sarri has also been full of praise for the defender and has even started him in Europa league games. Ampadu can be a great reliever when the fixtures come thick and fast.