Chelsea's ideal starting XI for 2018/19 season

Defenders

Chelsea's back 4 should ideally be: Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta, Centre-backs: David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger, Left-back: Emerson Palmieri.

David Luiz could thrive under Maurizio Sarri

Sarri's system demands centre-backs to play very high. David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger are perfectly suited for that style of play. Both of them have the pace and they are very comfortable with the ball.

David Luiz has impressed in the pre-season. He has said that he loves Sarri's philosophy. On the other side, Sarri has said that he is very happy with Luiz's attitude and that he could have a crucial role this season. While Luiz is far better on the ball, Rudiger is definitely more reliable as a defender. Rudiger will bring a real stability to this defence. Luiz and Rudiger have different characteristics and because of that, they will form a very good partnership.

Right back position should be reserved for Cesar Azpilicueta

On the right side of his backline, Sarri uses a stable defender who can act as a base for building attacks. At Napoli, this player was Elseid Hysaj. Azpilicueta is the type of player just like Hysaj. He is the perfect player to play Hysaj's role. He is very stable defensively and he doesn't offer so much in the attack. Sarri uses an attacking fullback on the left side. So, Azplicueta will probably stay in a back 3 when left back goes forward.

Emerson Palmieri over Marcos Alonso on the left side?

Marcos Alonso has been a very good player for Chelsea under Antonio Conte. But, Sarri's system needs a fast technical player on the left side to link up the play. Obviously, Alonso isn't that type of player. So definitely, Emerson Palmieri should be preferred by Sarri over Alonso. He gives a whole new dimension of attacking options compared to Alonso.

Emerson came to Chelsea in January 2018 from Roma. His career at Chelsea hasn't been good so far. Last season, he made only 7 appearances in all competitions. But, there are big indications that he could revive his career under Sarri. Maurizio Sarri could turn him into the best left back in the English Premier League.