Chelsea’s amazing squad depth illustrated in two XI’s.
Chelsea were arguably the biggest winners of this summer’s transfer window, using the market perfectly to rid themselves of unneeded players to raise funds for some exciting purchases.
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The Blues now possess perhaps the best squad in the Premier League, with Jose Mourinho realistically able to pick two excellent starting XI’s that could match any side that other teams in the country could put out.
The first lineup is certainly up there with the very best in Europe, but the second one, while a little light at the back, could still surely mount a top four challenge in the Premier League.
Goalkeeper and defence:
Based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s hard to know what Chelsea’s first-choice back four will be this season, with summer signing Filipe Luis yet to make a start from the club since his move from Atletico Madrid. Still, the Brazilian left-back is likely to become a key player before long, with John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic likely to be regulars at the back for the Blues, ahead of new first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
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Midfield:
A formidable pairing based on what we’ve seen so far, £30m signing Cesc Fabregas should continue as first choice in central midfield alongside the excellent Nemanja Matic, who has been superb for Chelsea since re-joining the club from Benfica back in January. Two fine passers and two great competitors, it is unfortunate for those behind them that these two are so good.
Attack:
Although there is likely to be plenty of rotation in this excellent-looking back four, Diego Costa as the main striker will surely continue for Chelsea as the Brazilian-born Spaniard continues to look like one of the best signings of the whole summer. With four goals already in the Premier League, Costa will take some beating, and who better than the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar and the much-improved Andre Schurrle to provide him with the ammunition to keep on finding the back of the net on a regular basis?Chelsea first XI in full:
As backup to Courtois, Chelsea have one of the Premier League’s all-time best goalkeepers on the bench in the form of Petr Cech. Elsewhere, the Blues can also rely on the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta (currently ahead of Filipe Luis in the pecking order at left-back), and exciting French youngster Kurt Zouma. Elsewhere, inexperienced players such as Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Chalobah could also be involved as emergency measures, though the latter will spend the first half of the season on loan at Burnley.
Midfield:
For a second choice midfield, Chelsea look incredibly strong in this department. Switching to a 4-4-2 to accommodate the club’s biggest names, Brazilians Ramires and Willian come in, joined by the reliable John Obi Mikel in the centre and another promising young player in Mohamed Salah on the left flank. Most of these players would certainly walk into any Premier League side, and their presence in the Chelsea squad could prove crucial this season.
Attack:
In a front two, the superb pairing of new signings Loic Remy and Didier Drogba illustrates Chelsea’s great options in attack. Costing just a combined £10.5m, Jose Mourinho has brilliantly replaced under-performers such as Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and unsettled youngster Romelu Lukaku, who moved to Everton. Remy will likely be second choice to Diego Costa, but the experienced Drogba is back for a second spell with the Blues and should have a big role to play.Chelsea 2nd XI in full: