Chelsea's predicted starting XI for the 2018-2019 season 

Central Midfielders:

Jorginho

There is nothing more key in making 'Sarriball' work but, the midfield. Chelsea faced some serious issues in midfield last season and getting the combination of players right could be crucial.

Chelsea roster has some useful options in midfield yet it might require some further reinforcements.

CM (Regista): Jorginho

There are few better players in his position across Europe, he would be the first player on the teamsheet as he was perhaps the most vital component of the attractive Napoli side which won hearts of every football fan last season.

Jorginho's transfer to Chelsea is seen as key for the club's transition to a more expansive playing style. This is further reinforced by the fact that Chelsea stole him right under the nose of Pep Guardiola's Manchester city who made him as their primary midfield target this summer.

The Italian can dictate the tempo of the play, recycles the ball effectively and is an excellent reader of the game. He has registered more passes than any Central midfielder in Europe last season (as per Whoscored). Jorginho will be the man who will make Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea tick.

With Jorginho being a lock at the regista role, the other two midfield slots are up for grabs.

Central Midfield (RCM): N'Golo Kanté

World Cup Champions France Portrait Session

The tireless French midfielder has proved to be an invaluable addition to Chelsea. A humble character on and even more so off the pitch, words fail to capture the true worth of the midfield maestro.

He is one of the few world class players that Chelsea can boast to have in their ranks. The past 3 years of his career has seen him winning 2 Premier League titles, an FA cup, Premier League Player Of The Year and a World Cup!

N'Golo Kanté's tireless running has been well documented but more impressive is the diminutive midfielder's impeccable reading of the game. There are few better ball winners in world football and he will only get better. He could, however, improve on his game in the attacking final third of the pitch. Under Sarri's tutelage, he could potentially become one of the best all-action midfielders in world football.

Central Midfield (LCM): Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League

The Chelsea academy product spent the last season on loan at Crystal Palace where he earned plenty of plaudits. This was, in reality, his first regular season in senior professional football where he played regularly and he did not fail to make an impression. Even after missing two months due to injury, England manager Gareth Southgate saw enough to take him to the World cup where he did his reputation no harm in his limited opportunities.

Under Sarri, he can play on the left-hand side of the midfield and combine with Hazard and Emerson. His close control, dribbling ability and vision are rarely found with the physicality and 6ft 3inch frame that Ruben's blessed with.

This season should see Ruben Loftus-Cheek cement his place in the Chelsea squad as his skillset is not replicated by anyone at Chelsea and by few in the Premier League. However, Chelsea's reported pursuit of Aleksandr Golovin and Miralem Pjanic could leave him surplus to requirements which may result in him leaving on loan in search of regular football.