Chelsea - A team analysis

Goal Keeper – Petr Cech is arguably one of the safest bets between the sticks, and with a new contract keeping him at Stamford bridge till the end of 2016, Chelsea have little to worry about in this position. Ross Turnbull can be called upon occasionally and veteran Henrique Hilario can fill in at desperate times. Though both Hilario and Turnbull lack quality, no reinforcements are required as on loan Thibaut Courtois is making quick progress at Atletico Madrid. The gifted Belgian youngster is rapidly proving to be one of the best young talents across Europe, and is a sure-shot successor to Cech’s legacy at Stamford Bridge.

Defence –

RB –The recent departure of Jose Bosingwa has sent Chelsea’s scouts on a journey across Europe, and understandably so. Branislav Ivanovic is excellent at reading the game defensively, and is one of the better men in the air. As a full back, his duties involve venturing forward and assisting his more attacking companions in creating scoring chances, a job he is very efficient at. But opponents clearly tend to exploit his significant lack of pace. He is better off as a CB, but the lack of quality backup restricts him to being a right back. Young Sam Hutchinson lacks experience and moreover, has just recovered from a career threatening injury that already forced him into early retirement once. Paulo Ferreira has consistently failed to deliver and should look for a move away from the blues. Chelsea have already been linked with proven performers like Mathieu Debuchy and Ajax man Gregory Van der Wiel. A deal with either of them could prove pivotal to the blues’ title hopes.

CB – Despite his occasional slips and controversies, John Terry remains one of the best center backs in England. His calm personality, coupled with exemplary tactical awareness makes him one of the best men to guard the 6-yard box. His accurate passing and timely clearances are signs of the safety first approach he emulates. His fierce forehead is another useful resource to any team. His compatriot Gary Cahill is a no nonsense defender and can occasionally unleash thunderbolts. He, along with David Luiz, tends to go forward on a more regular basis than a standard center half. On his day, Luiz can be impossible to get past, but his severe lack of concentration and below par positional awareness on the field usually get the better of him. Luiz and Cahill are also Injury prone, which raises the need of another center half. Again, the acquisition of a right back will solve the issue, allowing Ivanovic to shift to the heart of defense, a position he is relatively better at. Michael Essien too can fill in if Chelsea runs out of options.

LB –Along with John Terry, Ashley Cole continues to turn back the clock and deliver constantly and consistently for Chelsea. His blistering runs and inch perfect crosses on the left flanks are often mistaken for that of a forward. His unmatched tackling and tireless patrolling of the left flank have neutralized many a threat for the blues. Roberto Di Matteo is gradually pushing young Ryan Bertrand into the first team scenario, and the youngster only seems to get better by each passing match. His hard work was repaid by the Italian, who chose Bertrand ahead of Florent Malouda in the champions league final. Paulo Ferreira can be called upon to fill in at desperate times.

Mid-field –

CM – With Plenty of attacking options this season, Roberto Di Matteo is almost certain to either go 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with veteran Frank Lampard dropping back into a more defensive role. Either John Obi Mikel or Michael Essien, two very able holding midfielders, can partner him. Both are physically strong and can fend off most opposing forwards with considerable ease. With Essien missing a majority of last season due to injury, Mikel has firmly established himself in the starting 11. Essien has had a largely inconsistent season, but his experience and defensive reading of the game are essential to Chelsea. Also, his occasional long-range strikes provide an edge to an already offensively capable team. Raul Meireles can replace Lampard and act as the pivotal link between the midfield and attack. La Masia graduate Oriol Romeu and Joshua McEachran are two bright young prospects and one can expect to see more of them next season.

CAM – Chelsea managed to put an end to one of the most frustratingly high profile transfer sagas in recent times by capturing the scintillating Eden Hazard. His deceptive pace, trickery and an almost machine like eye for a killer pass are sure to set the premier league on fire. One of the finest young talents in the present day scenario, he is sure to go a long way with the blues. Werder Bremen import Marko Marin is a developing CAM and can also play out wide. Though not known for his goal scoring ability, his defense splitting passes and eye catching dribbling skills are something to watch out for. Also, Yossi Benayoun’s loan spell at The Emirates coming to an end only adds to the number of options.

LAM/LW – Spanish wizard Juan Mata was the silver lining in what had otherwise been a disastrous first half of the season for Chelsea. He terrorised opposition defenses with an alarming consistency and was behind almost everything positive Chelsea had to vouch for. A perfect number 10, he is a versatile player who can play out wide or can drop into a more central and creative role. His clinical finishing is another asset which Chelsea relied on at needed times. Rightfully Chelsea’s player of the season for 2011-2012, he will further cement his place as one of the premier league’s top players. Florent Malouda can take over occasionally, but the stark decline in his effectiveness is something to keep in mind. Daniel Sturridge is another possibility.

RAM / RW - From being a defensive midfielder to an out and out winger, There is no position that Ramires has not been able to fill. The versatile Brazilian completed his second season in the premier league with flying colours, notching up 12 goals and 9 assists. His sumptuous chip at Nou Camp dashed Barcelona’s hopes of securing back-to-back champions league titles. His incredible work ethic and his all round play have established him as a regular starter at Stamford Bridge. Apart from his usual creative exploits, his fine defensive record makes him one of Chelsea’s best acquisitions in recent times. Supplementing its currently trending Belgian brigade, Chelsea have another young gun in the form of Kevin De Bruyne, who adds to the list of versatile players in the club. A tricky winger who can ply his trade either on the wings or in the heart of attack, he will be a valuable addition to this youthful squad.

Attack –

STR – After a spectacular 8-year span with Chelsea, Didier Drogba departed the club in style by slotting home the winning penalty of the Champions League. The huge hole left behind by his departure, and the possible replacement(s) has been the topic of debate for many analysts. Fernando Torres is starting to find his feet after a horrible year and is showing signs of confidence. Once known for his unerring ability to finish, El Nino has failed to live up to the expectations of his massive price tag. He is a mere shadow of his former self, who used to score almost at will for Liverpool. But should he turn back the clock and regain his form, Stamford Bridge is sure to witness a blizzard of goals. With Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Marko Marin supplying decisive through balls constantly, this might be the season where Torres finally proves the saying “Form is temporary but class is permanent”.

19-year-old Romelu Lukaku, with his huge presence and fine finishing skills could be given a chance to prove his mettle. Along with compatriots Hazard and De Bruyne, he could strike a deadly partnership to ensure the supply of goals.

But the most effective option yet is to unleash the mercurial Daniel Sturridge. Though his past stints at Bolton and Manchester City are undeniable proof of his Goal Scoring prowess, he has constantly been ignored at Stamford Bridge. With Roberto Mancini publicly regretting his decision to let go of the England international recently, several clubs including Liverpool are reportedly interested in the 22 year old who has fallen behind in the pecking order. Though he has been used in wide areas as a winger, it is easy to see that a more central role suits him better. Already a fine dribbler of the ball, Sturridge has been a thorn in the sight of many defenders. Although Chelsea are being linked to many forwards such as Porto’s Brazilian goal machine Hulk, Sturridge remains the best and most economic option for Chelsea. Another long shot is Brazilian Lucas Piazon, who has been outstanding for the reserves.

VERDICT – Already overloaded in all possible departments, Chelsea have no major transfer concerns. Though Roman Abrahamovic might spend on a right back or a striker, he has plenty of talented players at his disposal and how they are used remains to be seen. Daniel Sturridge needs to be given his share of chances, as he has already proved his worth with Bolton last year. So finally, with great new signings, the Champions League win lifting spirits to new a high, and Di Matteo bonding miraculously well with the team, Chelsea will only go from strength to strength. It shouldn’t be surprising to see them knock out one of the Manchester clubs and finish in the top 2. While questions might still be raised as to how they will defend their European crown, it is certain that they are a force to be reckoned with.