Jose Mourinho has a wonderful group to choose from…
SEE MORE: Top 10 most expensive players of all time
Chelsea have already made serious moves in the transfer market, and are expected to bring in a new left-back as well.
With Thibaut Courtois, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis integrated into the XI, here’s how the Blues could line up next term under Jose Mourinho:
Courtois – Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Filipe Luis – Matic, Ramires – Hazard, Fabregas, Oscar – Costa
Here’s how we rate that potential lineup out of 10:
GK) Thibaut Courtois – 8.5/10
The young Belgian proved last season that he’s already one of the very best keepers in the world. His presence helped Atletico Madrid win La Liga, and he was virtually faultless at the World Cup as well. As a result, we think he’ll replace Petr Cech between the sticks at Stamford Bridge. We’d give him a ‘9’, but he’s yet to prove himself in the more physical Premier League, although we’re pretty sure he will.
DR) Cesar Azpilicueta (Or Branislav Ivanovic) – 8/10
If Filipe Luis signs, Azpiliceuta could be moved to his more natural right-back spot – where he could compete with stalwart fullback Ivanovic. Both are rarely defensively compromised, extremely hard working, and perform well in big matches. Perfect Mourinho players.
DC) Gary Cahill – 8/10
Cahill rarely makes mistakes, is brilliant in the air, and was a key part of Chelsea finishing last term with the top flight’s best defensive record.
DC) John Terry – 7/10
Terry’s still capable of making exceptional last ditch tackles, and his leadership is invaluable – although he’ll be 34 by the end of the year, and his pace is already diminished.
DL) Filipe Luis – 7/10
Arguably the best left-back in the Champions League last term, Filipe Luis has a sweet left foot, and is expected to make a £20m move to Stamford Bridge imminently. Again, we’ll only rate him higher once he’s proven he can perform in the Premier League.
MC) Nemanja Matic – 8/10
Matic has been superb since arriving from Benfica in January. He’s physically excellent, can drive through the middle – and gives Chelsea a strong presence deep in the midfield.
MC) Ramires – 7/10
Ramires’s work-rate is virtually incomparable – but he offers relatively little creatively. In big matches though, Mourinho trusts him to win back possession and compete viciously.
AMR) Oscar (Or Willian) – 7/10
Either of these Brazilians can do a good job on the right. Willian works harder, but lacks the end product of Oscar – who, while incredibly talented, has probably yet to truly fulfil it in England as of yet. Mohamed Salah provides superb backup here, too – as does World Cup winner Andre Schurrle.
AMC) Cesc Fabregas – 9/10
The world-class Spaniard has completed a move to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona, and could provide the class and guile in the middle that the side arguably lacked last season. Fabregas proved during his Arsenal tenure that he thrives in a physical, fast paced Premier League rather than struggles in it – and his vision and creativity is second to very few.
AML) Eden Hazard – 9/10
Chelsea’s best player last season by some distance, Hazard led the goals and assists charts for the Blues in 2013/14 – and is surely guaranteed a spot on the left. Schurrle can also do a good job in this role.
FC) Diego Costa – 8/10
Costa scored 36 goals in all competitions last season for Atletico – earning himself a blockbuster £32m move to the Blues. He’s powerful, excellent in the air, and can finish off either foot. If he adapts to the Premier League, he could quite plausibly fire the Blues to title glory.
