Chelsea: Prescription to improve after the first four games post restart

Chelsea will need to take several steps if they are to challenge for the title next season. What can the Blues do to improve?

Taking a look at Chelsea after their first four games after the restart, they have to improve in several areas to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Man City in 2020-21.

First, the good news. Captain America, Christian Pulisic, has been Chelsea’s best player since the restart. He’s a real threat in attack and his performance thus far since his earlier injuries are behind him is a signal that Chelsea may have secured a bargain in his transfer from Borussia Dortmund. He’s been great.

Also, Willian, who may depart after the end of the season, well, shouldn’t. Sign him to whatever contract he wants. He’s well worth the investment. He’s been Chelsea’s second best player since the restart. He obviously has the head Ccach’s confidence. Letting him go, especially to a Premier League competitor like Manchester United or whoever, is a mistake. Just sign the man.

Now, on to the Chelsea deficiencies that must be rectified.

First, the defense. Chelsea’s defense is not good enough. It lacks throughout. It needs a complete overhaul. A top to bottom overhaul. It’s just not good enough at any position.

First, they don’t have an enforcer in central defense, a big brawler who will do whatever it takes to keep the opposition forwards honest. Big, as in tall, is important here. Very important. Think Virgil Van Dyke. Or Kalidou Koulibaly. He needs size, strength, and, well, an attitude. It’s not there now. Chelsea needs to go get it.

Second, they don’t have a central defender who can long pass the ball (a la David Luiz). Or pass any distance accurately, for that matter. No one. This provides a sterling opportunity to the defending team to set up and defend. Not good.

Third, they don’t have a central defender who can quickly move the ball forward when the opportunity presents itself and get the ball to the right outlet. In sum, Chelsea needs not one, but two new starting central defenders. Time to get greedy.

In addition, the fullbacks are lacking. They are either slow or incompetent in attack and crossing the ball. Or both. They’re just not top class. Both must be moved down or out. They are now at the level of squad players and that’s okay. But they are not first-team players. Chelsea must prioritize a left back (that’s no surprise) and move Reece James up to the starting position. Why Frank Lampard is not using him at present is a surprise and a mystery. He should be.

Now, midfield. Chelsea needs a strong starting attacking midfielder who will be able to work with Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, and hopefully Kai Havertz to score goals. Barkley is a good squad player if he wants to be that. With Ruben Loftus Cheek, after all the injuries, it’s not clear he’ll get back to where he was. Maybe. Yet, Chelsea needs a big time acquisition here. Many like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio for that role. He’s big, tough, and has an attacking flair. Barkley is a solid backup but if the club wants to win silverware, go get Milinkovic-Savic. Pay the money.

In attack, the additions of Timo Werner (and his goals) and Hakim Ziyech and his amazing all around ability to create are two major steps on the road to silverware. Werner can be a striker or a winger. If a winger, Pulisic will have to slot in elsewhere. Both have to be on the pitch with Ziyech.

And to complete the attacking line, spend the euros on Kai Havertz. Or Jadon Sancho. Both can create and both can score goals. The club can’t go wrong with either one. If the club seeks greatness, they have to take great steps. Add them to Pulisic and Willian and they create a formidable front line capable of going toe to toe with any club in the world.

To complete the makeover, Chelsea needs a new keeper. They need to upgrade that position. Those who remember Petr Cech remember how a great, silverware winning goalkeeper performs. That’s what is needed at Chelsea now. A new first team keeper. A very tall keeper would be optimal. But a very tall and very good keeper is even better. There is an old saying, “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. Chelsea should adopt that strategy. Go get a top flight keeper. Now.

Hopefully, Chelsea will do what needs to be done in this upcoming transfer period to make these changes happen. Now is the time. These changes/additions are necessary to bring Chelsea back to the Championship level it had before. That greatness is again within reach. Hopefully, the club will be bold, aggressive, and hawkish in seeking to meet these necessary objectives. Its fans all over the world, Chelsea Nation, expect no less.