After a robust begin to the season underneath new supervisor Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have severely dropped off in current months.
Since twenty second December, the Blues have received simply two Premier League video games, struggling losses to Ipswich City, Fulham and Manchester Metropolis, whereas drawing with Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth.
This poor run of type has seen Maresca’s aspect slip from second within the league – simply two factors behind leaders Liverpool – to sixth place, with the opportunity of European soccer subsequent season now in critical doubt.
The reason for this decline is unclear, however from the surface, it appears to be a mix of things: a squad crammed largely with younger, inexperienced gamers, Maresca’s battle to handle an over-inflated squad that has grow to be more durable to regulate because the weeks go by, and an absence of high quality in key positions.
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In aim, as an example, Robert Sanchez has been the most error-prone ‘keeper within the Premier League this season, seemingly costing Chelsea factors week after week.
In the meantime, on the different finish of the pitch, Nicolas Jackson’s objectives have dried up and Christopher Nkunku typically appears aloof, along with his thoughts seemingly elsewhere throughout his cameo appearances within the high flight.
Whereas little enterprise was accomplished in January, Maresca will little question be hoping to make use of the summer time to reassess his squad and usher in contemporary expertise able to assembly his expectations and delivering for the Stamford Bridge trustworthy.
With that in thoughts, listed below are 5 gamers we imagine Chelsea ought to goal in the summertime.
1
Alessandro Bastoni
Inter
Chelsea at the moment don’t have any fewer than eight centre-backs of their squad, however except for the injured Wesley Fofana, none has absolutely satisfied this season.
To enrich Fofana’s tempo, energy and relentless angle, the Blues must pair him with a composed, ball-playing defender who may help regular the ship. Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is arguably the perfect instance of such a participant in Europe in the present day.
A superb passer and astute dribbler, the Italian is as composed as they arrive with regards to enjoying the ball out from the again. Standing at 6 foot 3, he is additionally a bodily presence, able to successful the ball cleanly within the air and on the bottom.
Whereas he could be a dream and a smart acquisition, Bastoni is at the moment tied to Inter till 2028, so he might require a big-money bid.
Chelsea actually have the monetary muscle to make such a splash, and along with his fellow countryman Maresca on the helm, a reference to the supervisor might assist persuade him to check his luck in a brand new league.
2
Johan Bakayoko
PSV Eindhoven
Excluding the wonderful Jadon Sancho, Chelsea’s wingers have been underwhelming this season. Pedro Neto has scored simply twice within the Premier League, whereas regardless of netting seven objectives, Noni Madueke has pissed off Maresca and Chelsea followers with lacklustre performances, selfishness within the ultimate third and an incapacity to trace again.
Mykhailo Mudryk, in the meantime, stays suspended after failing a medicine check.
To deal with their points on the appropriate wing, the Blues ought to goal Madueke’s former PSV Eindhoven teammate, Johan Bakayoko.
The Dutchman scored 14 objectives and registered 14 assists for PSV final season, earning multiple individual honours.
He is continued his spectacular type this season with nine goals and three assists, and has stood out along with his tight management, footballing intelligence and skill to attain with each ft – qualities he showcased in spectacular style when he netted against Liverpool within the Champions League.
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3
Milos Kerkez
Bournemouth
Along with strengthening their choices at centre-back and right-back, Chelsea additionally want extra depth at left-back. Marc Cucurella has been strong thus far this time period, however he cannot be anticipated to play each match, whereas Malo Gusto is unable to function on that flank.
Furthermore, younger Renato Veiga has now left for Juventus for the remainder of the marketing campaign, and Ben Chilwell has moved to Crystal Palace. Due to this fact, somebody new could also be being lined up for the summer time.
A standout acquisition right here, no less than in our view, could be Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. One of many standout defenders within the Premier League this season, the Hungarian has been defensively strong and dynamic going ahead.
His all-around recreation was on full show throughout a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in November. Kerkez contributed each assists for Bournemouth on the day, together with three clearances, two ball recoveries and an interception.
4
Diogo Costa
Porto
Chelsea’s want for a brand new goalkeeper is maybe their most urgent problem, with Robert Sanchez having already made 5 errors resulting in objectives within the Premier League this season.
Porto’s Diogo Costa could be a particular improve, and at 25 years previous, he’s a participant who could possibly be the Blues’ No 1 for a few years to come back.
Costa has been one among Europe’s most dependable goalkeepers lately, recording 78 clean sheets in 183 appearances for Porto, together with 11 in 20 league games this season.
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5
Victor Boniface
Bayer Leverkusen
Chelsea have lengthy been trying to find a successor to the legendary Didier Drogba, who tormented Premier League defences along with his energy, ability and an unrivalled skill to carry out when it mattered most at Stamford Bridge.
Whereas Nicolas Jackson’s link-up play would possibly even surpass Drogba’s, his lack of medical ending is changing into a rising concern, with the Senegalese striker typically costing the Blues useful factors.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface not solely suits the Drogba mould – large, robust, dominant in the air, and surprisingly deft for his size – however he’s additionally way more ruthless in entrance of aim than Jackson.
For the reason that begin of final season, the Nigerian has scored 30 objectives, averaging a goal every 103 minutes, whereas Jackson has discovered the web 26 occasions, with a goal every 204 minutes.
