The Pride of London
Fansided

Chelsea: 2021’s best XI is already settled, said, and done

By Michael DeVito

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Frank Lampard manager of Chelsea celebrates his teams victory over Spurs during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Frank Lampard manager of Chelsea celebrates his teams victory over Spurs during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Reece James of Chelsea competes for the ball with Marcos Acuña of Sevilla during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2020 in London, England.Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Reece James of Chelsea competes for the ball with Marcos Acuña of Sevilla during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2020 in London, England.Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Fullbacks: Ben Chilwell and Reece James

The signing of Ben Chilwell from Leicester City was evidently a key one for gaffer Lampard as he sought to cement the position that has been in flux since the departure of Ashley Cole. Few would have understood how a dynamic fullback can enhance an attack better than the former No. 8 for Chelsea. Lampard better than anyone can appreciate that a pacy and aggressive attacking fullback on that side is a perfect complement to Mason Mount and the winger on that side. Chilwell has stepped in and immediately claimed the position as his own, which is exactly what is expected of such a signing. Trashing any doubts related to the 50 million pound transfer fee, Chilwell has performed brilliantly in attack and has dispelled any doubts about the defensive aspects of his game by contributing solidly there, as well. All-in-all, a totally marvelous signing.

On the right side of the defense is a young player who is clearly living up to the high expectations placed on him as an academy stalwart, Reece James. James exploded onto the scene last season under more than willing to give young players a chance first-year manager Lampard. To some degree, that was necessary due to the transfer ban(s) under which the gaffer operated last season. James rose to the challenge as he demonstrated both top skills as a crosser and as an attacking option on the right side. While his defense was somewhat inconsistent last year, James has upped his game and has shown that he is now a capable fullback in all aspects of the game. He had to be to dislodge Captain, nice guy, and solid defender himself, Cesar Azpilicueta.

Home/Chelsea FC Roster