Three big questions: Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell and combating expectations

2. Is his signing the first of a new spine?

Chelsea’s success in the first part of Roman Abramovich’s ownership came built around the same spine of players. While this spine included the likes of Didier Drogba and Petr Cech, it had a section of English players that helped it gel in Ashley Cole, John Terry, and Frank Lampard.

Since that spine left, the Blues have struggled to replace them. Under Lampard’s management, one part of that spine has been formed through the youth revolution. Mason Mount, Reece James, and Tammy Abraham are now being supplement by signings that seem to be adding on to that spine. But Chilwell’s inclusion rings differently.

When Michael Emenalo was still at Chelsea, he wanted to replace that spine with John Stones, Luke Shaw, and Ross Barkley. That obviously mostly failed for more than a few reasons. Now it seems as though Chilwell is the first of a new policy in signings.

Lampard appears to be building the spine in three ways. Internally through the academy first of all. Then, that is supplemented with young talent from home and abroad. Chilwell is part of the former, someone like Kai Havertz (if he ever signs) is part of the latter.

The Declan Rice rumors signal a similar target to supplement English talent with more English talent. There are, of course, other holding midfielders/centerbacks/halfbacks available. But the club and seemingly Lampard want Rice. It would be a very Chilwell like signing were it to go down.

But of course, Chilwell was first through the door. Chelsea is looking to become the preeminent English club in the league and internationally. Liverpool may have something to say about that, but the Blues are closing that particular gap.