Is this how Mourinho’s side will look next term…?
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Chelsea have released club legend Frank Lampard, and could be targeting a world-class Spaniard as his direct replacement.
They’re also looking to bring in a new forward to spearhead the side – and could be selling both David Luiz and Eden Hazard to PSG, for a fee that combined, is likely to fetch over £100m!
First though Jose Mourinho has a tough decision in regards to his goalkeeper for next term…
GK) Thibaut Courtois
Mourinho currently has Petr Cech between the sticks, and while the stalwart Czech stopper rarely lets anyone down, he has the best young goalkeeper in the world on the club’s books…
Thibaut Courtois just won La Liga with Atletico Madrid, and will be starting for Belgium at the World Cup – and quite simply, he’s just too good for Chelsea to send him out on loan again.
“My future seemed clear but then we played in the Champions League,” the 22-year-old told Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure.
“And yes, Mourinho called me before the [final League] game against Barcelona.
“What we talked about stays between us. I have a two-year contract with Chelsea, so in principle I will be there for training, then we’ll talk.”
DR) Branislav Ivanovic
Chelsea have the best defence in the Premier League, so don’t expect too many changes in the back-line this summer. Ashley Cole has left though, meaning the Blues will likely sign a new left-back, meaning Cesar Azpilicueta could move to right-back, and Ivanovic could be used as cover for the centre-backs.
However, with the Serbian enjoying such a solid campaign last time out – Mourinho will likely stick with him on the right of defence at the start of 2014/15.
DC) Gary Cahill
One of the best central defenders in the country – Cahill impressed everyone last term, and his form meant Brazilian international starter David Luiz couldn’t get into the side. He’s just entering his defensive peak – and young French arrival Kurt Zouma could provide backup from the bench.
DC) John Terry
David Luiz will be moving to PSG, and Terry has just signed a contract extension at Stamford Bridge. He’s ageing, but performed exceptionally last term, and loves working under Mourinho. No defender makes as many heroic last ditch tackles as Terry.
DL) Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spanish defender kept Ashley Cole out of the side last term, putting in consistently excellent performances down the left flank. He’s as good defensively as he is offensively.
MC) Nemanja Matic
Matic has shone at Chelsea since arriving from Benfica in January, and provides a superb platform in the centre of the park, which enables the players to create.
MC) Ramires
Mourinho loves Ramires because of the Brazilian’s incomparable work-rate in the midfield. He provides the side with legs, energy, combativeness and dynamism – and helps them win back possession.
MC) Cesc Fabregas
We reckon that the Blues could sign Barcelona star Fabregas to replace Lampard at Chelsea. The central midfield currently lacks guile, and creativity, but the Spaniard would undeniably provide just that. The Blues could be set to make a £30m bid.
AMR) Willian
Willian needs to improve his final product, as he only registered four goals and two assists in the Premier League, but he should keep his place in the side because of his brilliant technical skill and work-rate up and down the right. He also retains possession in the tightest of areas, which helps the Blues ware down opponents.
AML) Oscar
Eden Hazard has hinted that he’s ready to quit Chelsea, meaning Oscar could start from the left. He and Fabregas could rotate between the flank and the central no.10 spot in a fluid attacking midfield set-up, with the likes of Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah providing more direct options from the bench.
FC) Diego Costa
It’s no secret that Chelsea are close to completing a £32m deal for the Spanish powerhouse. Costa notched 36 goals in all competitions for Atletico last term, and Mourinho will be desperate for the striker to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.
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