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Is The 2017/2018 Chelsea Squad Good Enough?

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

So the transfer window is closed and a defender and a midfielder have been squeezed into the 2017/2018 Chelsea squad.

The media, pundits and even fans are questioning whether Morata, Drinkwater, Bakayoko, Rudiger and Zappacosta add anything to a team that won the title last season. They have replaced Costa, Terry and Matic which on the face of it seems like a good trade.

Here is a breakdown of the different positions to consider when asking if this 2017/2018 Chelsea squad is good enough after the transfer window.

2017/2018 Chelsea Squad Goalkeeper

Despite selling Asmir Begovic, the addition of Willy Caballero means we have a quality no.1 and two respected back up goalkeepers. This is the one position that Chelsea have had no drama with this transfer window.

Strength Rating – 9/10

 

Defender

Chelsea stacked up in defence with Zappacosta and Rudiger arriving with Andreas Christensen integrated back in after several loan spells.  The squad looks light on back ups for Victor Moses and Marcus Alonso in the wing back positions despite the arrival of Zappacosta. With Azpilicueta capable of playing on either side the this may be enough providing we are lucky with injuries.

Strength and Depth Rating – 6/10

Midfield

The arrival of Drinkwater and Bakayoko means that Chelsea have in theory strengthened the depth in midfield. The sale of Matic is still confusing but with Kenedy staying we are doubled up for wide players and Charly Musonda may get a chance to make his mark.

Strength and Depth Rating – 8/10

Attack

Ignoring Diego Costa Chelsea have just two specialist strikers.

Morata has started well in the Premier League but it will take time to be sure he can keep the pace in the Premier League. As his back up questions remain as to whether Batshuayi is currently at the level to provide consistent support.

Strength and Depth Rating – 5/10

Is The 2017/2018 Chelsea Squad Good Enough?

Despite the doom and gloom of the window, we still have a talented squad that can compete with anyone on their day. If key players such as Morata, Hazard and Alonso stay fit for the majority of the season then anything is possible.

We have a lot of games this season due to European involvement and it would great to see youth on the fringes such as Charly Musonda rotated into the team.

If any of these players are injured we may see cracks start to appear, let’s hope this can be another great season for the Blues.

Overall Strength and Depth Rating – 6.5/10

Sep 1, 2017

The Conte Era Begins

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Finally football is back and Chelsea fans are eager to move on from what was the worst season in a generation.

Hiddink has gone and now it is up to our new Italian manager to try and steer Chelsea back towards the top half of the table. I am feeling apprehensive with just an hour left to go until kick-off of a new season.

The Antonio Conte era at Chelsea is about to begin and from what we can tell nobody is sure what to expect.

The team is essentially the same one that finished 10th last season but also the same as the one crowned Champions the year before.

Conte Era Signings

The new manager has made a good first impression and seems to have a clear direction. I worry that with N’Golo Kante the only major signing that the season start seems to have

I worry that with N’Golo Kante the only major signing that the season start seems to have come too early as Conte looks to rebuild. I think we will see new arrivals before the end of the transfer window and that Conte will reshape the side.

I think we will see new arrivals before the end of the transfer window, and that Conte will reshape the side to overcome the naivety of our performances last season. We still have quality all over the pitch; it is just time to see it all working together.

Hopefully Conte has been able to instill a tactical discipline into the team that will allow them to overcome West Ham United and give an impetus at the start of the season.

Expectations may be lower than they have been for over 15 years at the start of the season. A good start would go a long way to banishing the memories of last season and create a platform to rebuild from.

Whatever happens win or lose up the Blues…..

 

 

Aug 15, 2016