Bold predictions for Chelsea and the Premier League in 2022/23
8. Who will be a surprise player for Chelsea this season?
Abhishek: Christian Pulisic. The American winger, when not injured, has shown a spark that is yet to ignite into a flame. This could be the season he finally comes good for Chelsea and remains injury-free for most of the season.
Anthony: Conor Gallagher. He will show his quality like he did at Crystal Palace last season, but he won’t be as relied upon like he was at Selhurst Park in terms of scoring goals. This saw a dip in form in the latter part of the last season, which won’t be present now. If given a chance, I think he will surprise a lot of people and show that he belongs in the first team.
Barrett: Trevoh Chalobah. I think the defense is going to have an injury crisis and we’ll be forced to play some young players who actually get to make a difference.
Bryan: Jorginho. The Italian has been the subject of a lot of fan discourse, but when he’s healthy and focused, he can be an absolute maestro. I think Jorginho is going to perform at a very high level and prove once and for all his importance to this squad. He’ll be critical to stability in the midfield and Chelsea’s push toward trophies.
Caden: Trevoh Chalobah. The Blues have yet to lose a 90-minute match with Chalobah in the starting line-up, what is the hold up for him to constantly play?
Gabe: Ben Chilwell. This seems absurd to say considering Chilwell has been the Blues’ starting left back/left wingback for years now. However, every fan seems to have written him off ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. I think he’ll come back a brand new player who looks ready to set the world ablaze with his all-around talent from the left fullback role.
Leighton: Kai Havertz. The German will surprise everybody and be the main man in attack, scoring a bunch of the Blues’ goals this season. This could really be his “breakout” campaign in a Chelsea shirt and leading the attack.
Mike: Armando Broja. The Albanian hitman showed he is more than capable of finding the back of the net in the English top flight while on loan at Southampton last year, where he totaled six goals in 32 appearances. Broja’s aggression and attitude are reminiscent of Diego Costa during his time at the Bridge, so I can only hope his output will mimic the Spaniard as well. I don’t think he’ll be entrusted to lead the line from the jump, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Broja ends the campaign as Tuchel’s preferred No. 9.
Nate: Armando Broja. I want to be excited for him, I really do. But I think there’s too much hype for someone who had limited success in a bad—but attack-minded—Southampton side last season. Mix that with the fact that he doesn’t really match the skillsets of the presumptive starting forward line, and I think he’ll struggle for goals and, eventually, minutes.
Olaoluwa: Kenedy. Kenedy is going to find himself contributing more than Chelsea fans want. He’d be very good though, especially after what he has shown in preseason. He has the energy to occupy the wingback position. His left-footedness may help him with crossing and passing angles.
Travis: Armando Broja. If Broja stays, many will be surprised that a six-goal season at a poor Southampton side last year isn’t really reflective of his overall quality. The other side of that coin will be this is the year that fans really start to question why the club spent so much on Kai Havertz as he continues to look like a square peg in a round hole up top.
Varun: Dembele … No. Raphinha … No. Kounde … No. Diaby … maybe?: I strongly believe that we should sign Moussa Diaby as the perfect replacement for outgoing forwards. If he does sign, he’ll pleasantly surprise a lot of fans. If he doesn’t sign, he’ll definitely have earned the surprise player of the season for never getting here.
Yi Hao: Kenedy. Considering Ben Chilwell’s rustiness and Marcos Alonso’s limitations, Kenedy could yet have an important role filling in at left wingback this season.