Chelsea: Havertz & Rice headline necessary midfield additions

Chelsea needs significant additions in midfield next season, the misconception that the Blues are fine in the middle of the park notwithstanding.

There is an illusion that things are just fine in the Chelsea midfield and that reconstruction is only needed elsewhere. While there may be more obvious and critical needs to address, the unit is one that still needs attention this transfer window, significant attention if the club is to rise to the level that the staff and Blues fans expect next season—expectations that will be sky-high.

A critical need to address is the position of defensive midfielder. If N’Golo Kante was healthy and playing at his peak level of performance, this would be a non-issue. The reality, however, is that he may no longer be capable of that level of play due to wear and tear and his upcoming 30th birthday next March. He has been a tireless worker for Chelsea for years, but all the running may just have taken its toll.

Regardless of whether Kante is fit next season, the club has to take action to bring in a young—yet seasoned—replacement, should he be unable to go. If he is fit, this replacement, along with Billy Gilmour when he is hopefully ready to play again, will be necessary to provide cover in that position. There will be minutes for all next season and the lack of a replacement for Kante when he is out injured was a telling factor in Chelsea’s not attaining the level of success that it might have this season were he totally fit.

One player who would fit instantaneously is Declan Rice of West Ham. Rice is a big, tough defender who will add starch to the midfield when he plays there as a central defensive or holding midfielder. His versatility will be a key asset to provide cover and frankly, excellence, at either position. The value of such a player is almost incalculable. Rice will be worth a major transfer fee due to the fact he is a two-position star.

Mateo Kovacic will revert to being a squad player next season as it is likely that Jorginho will be sent packing, possibly to Juventus, if the price is right. Neither player seems central to the type of squad that Frank Lampard is assembling at Chelsea.

It also seems that should he be kept on, given that Ross Barkley will also revert to being a squad player and less of a starter for Chelsea. Yet, Barkley will be fine in that role and will be solid depth in attacking midfield. The attacking midfield positions will be held by Mason Mount, an emerging star whose best position seems to be in midfield, not forward. There, Mount can use not only his ability to advance the ball, but he also can utilize his fabulous work rate in support of the defensive midfielder. Mount on the left in midfield next season for Chelsea is the best option.

Meanwhile Kai Havertz has the versatility to play in virtually any position up front, his best position will be in attacking midfield for Chelsea—should the Blues be fortunate enough to secure his services. He’s worth whatever they have to pay. There will be plenty of players to sell to help finance this absolutely key addition. Havertz is a ball wizard. His passing both short and long is exquisite and he will be the key link-up between the midfield and the forwards, though Mount will also be a strong participant therein.

So, it’s Havetz at the No. 8 position. The starters will be Havertz, Mount and Kante—or if he isn’t fit, Rice. It’s a strong three and the unit is capable of scrapping with the best in Europe. Depth includes Rice, Gilmour, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, and maybe Tino Anjorin. It’s a strong midfield with the strength and depth necessary to compete in all four competitions in 2020/21. Next necessity, the backline.