Chelsea has splashed the cash in this transfer window, but will Frank Lampard’s side challenge for the club’s sixth Premier League title?
The 2020/21 summer transfer window serves as proof that Chelsea will challenge for the Premier League title this upcoming season. Frank Lampard has signed: Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva for the first team set-up, with Kai Havertz rumored to be on the way.
Youngsters Xavier Mbuyamba and Malang Sarr have also signed with the club. The two centrebacks will not instantly be part of the first team, however, as the latter will be loaned back out for the upcoming season. Mbuyamba has already joined up with the development squad, as well.
With a transfer ban, Lampard’s side finished fourth in the Premier League. Now, he has added young, prospective players to his side who already have huge ability. The thing that let Chelsea down last season was defensive frailties and a failure to take chances at the other end. The former was more notably alarming.
The club from Fulham Road conceded 54 goals in the top flight, the highest in the top half of the Premier League table. The signing of Silva will help bandage up those frailties; for the Brazilian serial winner, his CV speaks for itself. Chelsea lacked a commanding centreback last season and Silva will undoubtedly supply this. The seven Ligue 1 titles to his name act as an example of his experience. The club has lacked a big, centreback-type leader since the departure of Gary Cahill in 2019 with the defensive mistakes mounting up in the absence.
This can be amended in the short-term when the iconic Silva touches down at Stamford Bridge. The key to winning titles is conceding few and scoring many, the former AC Milan skipper will hugely improve the current set-up. Not just on the pitch, but off the pitch too. His impact in the dressing room could become dominating.
Chilwell solves a hole at left back that has been present since Antonio Conte’s pursuit of Alex Sandro. The 23-year-old was Lampard’s first choice and he will now serve Chelsea for years to come in that role. The Englishman will be a constant outlet on the left side with the ability to get forward and create chances being what attracted the boss. His energy levels are high which means he will be up and down the wing throughout the 90 minutes constantly.
Now for the headliners. Werner, Ziyech and Havertz get the main attention going into the season. These are the players that are going to score the goals and dominate the highlight reels. Last season, the trio scored a combined 60 goals and chipped in with 43 assists in their respective leagues. To put this into perspective, Chelsea scored 69 Premier League goals all season. The aim now is to close the gap on Liverpool, who scored 85.
Werner gives the club a different type of striker. His electric pace and pressing style accommodate the system to perfection. His lethal finishing makes him very prolific, another area the Blues have been weak in throughout recent years. The proof is in the stats, he scored 95 RB Leipzig goals in 159 outings; he’s a natural.
So, after improving the defence and adding power in attack, the starting XI looks incredible lethal on paper. But, what about the midfield, even though it was never an issue last season? A fully fit N’Golo Kante hugely improves the side. His 2019/2020 season was plagued by injuries, meaning he did not play a consistent run in the side. Therefore, the return of Kante is almost like a new signing in the middle of the park.
Mateo Kovacic, who won Chelsea’s Player of the Year award, will play a regular role in the team, as well. His experience could play a massive role in the club winning trophies as he boasts the three Champions League medals on his mantlepiece. This will come into use if the club reach the latter stages of the competition, which it may for the first time in years.
It is due to be an exciting season when it all kicks off for Chelsea on September 14. The Monday night game at the American Express Stadium against Brighton and Hove Albion will likely see the new signings feature. The West London club must close a 33-point gap on leaders Liverpool if it wants to win a sixth Premier League title—and it can.
Everything is in place for a promising season. Many suggest that Chelsea must finish inside the top three at least with the money that has been spent. £130million has been splashed so far, on Werner, Ziyech and Chilwell. More additions are on the way, which will boost the outgoing spend. We are set for a rollercoaster of a season; the most important thing will be silverware.