Chelsea have six midfielders ready to be the core of any set-up next season

Chelsea have a lot to figure out for next season: new manager, new tactics and a transfer ban. Six players can form the ideal midfield for a successful season.

Chelsea are, once again, in the midst of chaos. But this time it is more catastrophic than in previous seasons. As it stands, the Blues are ready to part ways with Maurizio Sarri, opening up the gateways of disaster once again on the matter. Even more critical is the transfer ban looming over the club. With the inability to sign any players, whoever the new manager is, he will have to play it smart and set up a balanced team. Perhaps not one that can score many goals, but one that will not concede often.

The midfield will be crucial in establishing a successful team. Assembling the ideal midfield should not be difficult considering the amount of talent the club has at its disposal: N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Mason Mount.

First, the most striking of those names: Bakayoko, a player who was deemed a disappointment after a terrible first season. The defensive midfielder was one of the most frustrating players to watch as he was slow, indecisive and all-round terrible. However, he had a good loan spell at AC Milan, something that can prove fruitful.

Last season, Chelsea had no defensive midfielders, with Kante playing on a higher position and Jorginho acting as “regista” (whatever that means). This was an attempt to create a fast tempo passing while pressing the opposition. Unfortunately, this upcoming season, with no reinforcements coming through the transfer market to sustain such system, a more defensive strategy must take place.

Having Bakayoko and Kante playing in a defensive role, even by rotating them, gives the Blues better cover to prevent counter attacks and high presses. This will also allow Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho or Barkley to create the offensive part of the game.

Chelsea’s next manager cannot rely on Kante to play every game. Having Bakayoko to substitute or play alongside Kante can help Chelsea in the defensive aspect.

Second, and less obvious, is the name missing from the list: Mateo Kovacic. The on-loan midfielder from Real Madrid has not attributed anything special for the team. Even by playing a fast-passing style, like the one he played in La Liga, Kovacic never made a difference either defensively nor offensively. Therefore, keeping him in any capacity would only restrict the involvement of the rest of the players like Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley and, surely, Mason Mount.

Third is the combination of Loftus-Cheek / Barkley and Jorginho. The former pair are attacking minded midfielders who are physical and shield the ball well to create openings. The latter can distribute quick passes all around or deliver a final through-ball.

Keeping these three players can help develop a fluent midfield that can actually penetrate the opposition’s defense; all the while knowing Kante or Bakayoko will be covering spaces for a possible counter attack.

Last, the youngster Mason Mount deserves to be part of the team. If the rumors are to be believed and Frank Lampard becomes the new Chelsea manager, one can be sure he will give Mount an involvement in the team. Even if it is only in the League Cup or FA Cup, playing in a Chelsea shirt would give him the opportunity to shine.

Aside from his development, having a young player as back-up is great motivation for the player himself and a wake-up call for the senior players. If they feel comfortable and their performances start to drop, playing a younger and motivated player will remind them that their roles in the squad are earned, not given.

Overall, having these six players commanding the midfield will give the next manager plenty of options to choose from, depending on his approach to different games. It will be a pleasant contrast to last season, where the same approach was implemented week in and week out.

If Chelsea want to win anything next season, or at least succeed in a developmental capacity, different tactics for different opponents are a must.

But even more importantly, Chelsea’s next manager must not make the mistake of overusing his players. The Blues will once again be in the Champions League along with their domestic competitions.

Having these six players should be more than enough to rotate and experiment in order to acquire balance. And if one dares to dream, even win some trophies along the way.