Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
The German international was an integral part of Dortmund’s domestic and European success in recent seasons. The heart and soul of their midfield, and was the driving force behind their Champions League challenge. Able to play in a deep-lying role, or pushed forward in a supportive attacking role, Gundogan, 22, possesses the versatility of positions to fit into Chelsea’s interchangeable playing style and formation. Chelsea have been looking for a player in the ilk of Gundogan for some years now, and have never really been able to replace Claude Makelele in the heart of their midfield. Gundogan’s disruptive play and physical nature is ideal for Premier League football, and has been linked with a move to both Manchester clubs, as well as a move to Real Madrid, who are keen to use Nuri Sahin as a make-weight in the deal.
The combination of him and Sven Bender in Dortmund’s midfield was essential for their Champions League run, able to make key interceptions and tackles each and every game, and outside of the outgoing Mario Gotze, Gundogan actually had the most successful dribbles per/game of any Dortmund player, proving he has the ability to support attacking wise, not too dis-similar of Frank Lampard, without the goal production, fortunately, Chelsea have the creative influence in the attacking area to accommodate. Likely playing deeper in Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Gundogan would ideally be a long-term replacement for Frank Lampard.