Chelsea fans should be excited but more can be done yet

Chelsea fans should be out-of-their-armchairs excited about the upcoming version of the Blues, but more can be done to improve yet.

It’s time to get excited as the new season approaches and Chelsea is in the process of loading up its club with first-class, title-challenging talent. Chelsea fans shouldn’t let anyone tamp down their right to be ecstatic about this transfer window and the players who have been brought in. It’s a master class already and it could get better and better. The team is not finished yet, though that does not mean there are not reasons to be wary.

Great additions in attack

One game and about four minutes was all it took to showcase the top skills of Chelsea’s first two big signings, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. Ziyech dropped a beauty of a cross onto Callum Hudson-Odoi’s chest and he obligingly sent it toward Warner in front of the goal and the first scoring collaboration was in the books. A thing of beauty.

Later, Ziyech sent another masterpiece to Werner for a tap-in header and he sent it skyward,  unfortunately denying himself a brace and Ziyech of his first Chelsea assist. It was unfortunate, but that’s football. But as far as starts against a good opponent go, it was impressive. It presages much more to come from these two stars but there’s a lot more to like about this attack. Christian Pulisic is still rehabbing an injury and his return will bring another daring, slashing, pacey forward to wreak havoc on Premier League defenses.

Then, if the latest rumors are finalized, the Blues will add another ball wizard to their collection in German wunderkind Kai Havertz. Havertz, despite his tender age of 21, is already an established star and fits best as a number eight attacking midfielder. He, like Ziyech and Werner, is not a “one-trick pony”. All of these attacking talents (and include Pulisic in that grouping as well) are accomplished assist-makers as well as goal-scorers. Provide a lane for a pass and they’ll thread the needle and send it across the pitch to an unguarded teammate. Give them space to shoot, and they’ll take the shot and dent the back of the net. They are all multi-role and multi-talented attackers.

Add to that quartet the starters in waiting, Olivier Giroud, Tammy Abraham, and Callum Hudson-Odoi (along with Said Benrahma in a perfect world), and you have a bevy of top-flight talent ready to fill in and provide rest for injured starters, and also challenge for the top spots if anyone falters. That’s the strength in depth concept that cannot be minimized in importance at any time during any season. Injuries happen. Tired players happen. Cup games happen. To be able to contend in any and all competitions the best clubs need that depth. It’s invaluable and essential to challenge for titles.