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Chelsea: Best possible XI after spending in the summer window

By Michael DeVito

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Declan Rice of West Ham United and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Declan Rice of West Ham United and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United battles for possession with Reece James of Chelsea during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United battles for possession with Reece James of Chelsea during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images) /

Here is the best prospective starting XI for the Chelsea Football Club in 2020/21 after a massive spending spree in the summer window.

Chelsea has started the 2020 summer transfer window in style. The Blues have added a world class, prolific striker/forward in Timo Werner and a magnificent ball magician in Hakim Ziyech. It’s been a fantastic window, but there is hopefully much more to come. A Kai Havertz transfer is in the works, according to reports, which would represent yet another great signing. That gives away one of the positions in the best 2020/21 line-up after a massive spending spree by the Blues this summer. However, here is the best possible, realistic starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

The need for a new keeper is widely accepted by the Chelsea faithful. A Kepa Arrizabalaga sale is just the best for all concerned, but there is debate over who should be the next great Chelsea keeper. The best option, one almost universally acknowledged, is Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid. He’s looked upon as the best in the world and with his superstar status comes one problem: the cost. The Blues are dishing out hundreds of millions for players all around the pitch and they just can’t afford a record price for a keeper for the second time in three years.

They paid the highest price ever for Arrizabalaga and frankly, it’s not logical for them to do it again. If they do, great, but realistically, it’s not happening. The more likely choice—a sensible and affordable choice—is Andre Onana from Ajax. He has the talent; he has Championship League experience; he’s young; he’s eager and he’s ready to play for a big club like Chelsea.

Right back: Reece James

Chelsea is ready for a change and an upgrade on the offensive end of the right back position. The choice here is the current young, emerging star Reece James. James had his good moments in the last season, but with that came some not so good times. The talent and potential is there.

James adds a new dimension in the attack on the right side as he’s a master of crosses and will seamlessly hook up with Ziyech and the new attacking midfielder on his side.

Related Story. Could Chelsea be the crusaders for an all-English XI?. light

Centerback: Declan Rice

The central defense is in need of a major infusion of talent. The current group is fine, but does not excel by any means. If Chelsea is looking to advance into the top of the Premier League and beyond, it needs new additions at the back—at least one, maybe two. The first is the oft-cited Declan Rice from West Ham. He’ll be an expensive, but still very cost-effective, addition. Not only can Rice start and lead at central defense, but he can also deputize at times in defensive midfield for N’Golo Kante. He’s a 21-year-old multi-tool player and worth everything the Blues would have to pay to get him.

Centerback: Lewis Dunk

Chelsea needs another stout central defender, as well. The defensive unit lacks real grit and leadership at times and the second addition who will provide that is a long-time Chelsea fan, Brighton’s Lewis Dunk. Dunk and Rice will provide a handful to any attacking line that the Blues will face next season—no doubt. So, if this is a possibility, the Blues need to pull the trigger on a move.

Left back: Sergio Reguilon

The left back is maybe not the best choice for manager Frank Lampard, but it may very well be the best for the club. If Ben Chilwell’s price is not prohibitive, fine; but if it is, move quickly for Sergio Reguilon of Sevilla (on loan from Real Madrid). Reguilon provides the attacking flair that Lampard is looking for on the left. He was certainly spoiled from his days with Ashley Cole, one of the all-time best at left back, but Reguilon will provide the ‘get up and go’ attitude the gaffer is looking for at probably half the price of Chilwell.

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