Chelsea season preview: Mata, Hazard and Mourinho is as good as it gets

Last Season

Chelsea started the season looking formidable, staying unbeaten at the top of the table for the first couple of months, but a dismal Champions League title defence saw the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo and the arrival of Rafa Benitez. Their league title prospects quickly vanished thereafter but they enjoyed good cup runs. They won the Europa League convincingly, becoming the first team to hold both European titles at the same time.

Off-season report

Jose Mourinho’s arrival and a few great signings in Marco van Ginkel and Andre Schurrle has made them title contenders this season, while in the form of Mark Schwarzer they finally have someone who can cover well for Cech. They have built one of the most devastating young line-ups in the world. They’ve reportedly had two bids for Wayne Rooney rejected, whether they actually need him or not is another question, but it has certainly given them a psychological edge over David Moyes and United.

Season objectives

With Mourinho in charge, they will certainly be pushing for all titles, with a devastating squad that is capable of taking them to Champions League glory.

Manager

Jose Mourinho’s arrival has made them contenders for the title. ‘The Chosen One’ (or is it ‘The Happy One’?) has already begun the mind games, and with the managerial changes at United and City, it will certainly be an interesting season. Mourinho will employ his trademark counter attacking style again this time round, and has players capable of being devastating in such situations. Can he keep out of controversy, though?

Strengths

Midfield. The Mata-Hazard-Oscar triplet last season was extremely exciting to watch, and with Hazard, one of the most talented players in the world, acclimatising to the Premier League, they can be devastating. The additions of Andre Schurrle and van Ginkel and the return of Kevin De Bruyne will definitely bolster their midfield.

Weaknesses

Lack of immediate reliable striker. Fernando Torres had a good European season last time, but didn’t score enough goals in the Premier League. Romelu Lukaku is an excellent talent and was dominant on loan at West Brom last season- but one striker won’t do, if they sign Rooney though, and that’s a big ‘If’, their problem will be solved.

Key Player

Juan Mata. He was outstanding last season, scoring 20 goals and 33 assists. The Spaniard was the main man last year and will be instrumental in this year’s campaign.

It’s a big season for

Fernando Torres. He had his best season in a blue shirt last season, but it still did not justify his £50 million price. Almost 30 now, this is his last chance to prove that he is still the player he was at Liverpool, and that his price was worth it.

Emerging star

Romelu Lukaku. The big Belgian is probably their best striker going into this season, and if played regularly, he will be absolutely lethal up front, and possibly have as big an impact, if not bigger, than Didier Drogba.

Prediction

While they will be given a tough fight for the Premier League crown from both the Manchester clubs, they will definitely finish in the top three and at least the Champions League quarters. They’ve won the FA Cup almost every other season, and will be looking to keep that record intact.

Chelsea will be one of the most dangerous teams in Europe this time, with an excellent line up and a certain controversial Portuguese in the managerial seat. Hazard, Mata, Lukaku, David Luiz and Oscar are among the best in Europe and will be key this season.