Premier league (2018-19): Summer transfers XI 

Midfield:

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Central Defensive MIdfield (Regista): Jorginho

Chelsea v Olympique Lyonnais - Pre-Season Friendly
Chelsea v Olympique Lyonnais - Pre-Season Friendly

One would struggle to find players better than Jorginho in his position at the base of midfield. Many experts feel that Chelsea left it too late in the signing of new coach Maurizio Sarri, due to which they might struggle initially this season. If there is anything Chelsea could do to dispel that concern, it was to sign Jorginho. The London club did just that and welcomed Jorginho and his former boss Sarri together as their first signings of the summer. More remarkable is the fact that Chelsea stole him from right under the nose of Manchester City and his admirer Pep Guardiola.

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The Brazilian turned Italian is the man to make "Sarriball" work. He had one of the best passing completion rates last season across Europe. Expansive passing range, vision second to none and an excellent first touch, the metronome has it all. His defensive capabilities are also underrated, the ex-Napoli player puts in a hard tackle and is also tenacious. His partnership with Kante and Fabregas, in addition with Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek makes Chelsea's midfield potentially among the best in the world.

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Central midfield: Naby Keïta

Liverpool v Torino - Pre-Season Friendly
Liverpool v Torino - Pre-Season Friendly

Nobody can claim to predict Naby Keïta's potential. Sky is the limit for him. There are not many midfielders in world football which have a comparable skillset to the Guinean. He caught they eye of football scouts with his exploits with Red Bull Salzburg. His rise continued with his move to RB Leipzig and eventually culminated into a €60 million move to Liverpool during 2017-18 season and according to the arrangement he joins Liverpool from 2018-2019 season. He is the man who makes Liverpool title contenders, improving Liverpool's midfield overnight.

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Given the shirt number 8, he will be a worthy successor to the Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. He is the definition of a complete midfielder- spectacular offensively, tactically refined, solid defensively and all this is complemented by his impressive athleticism. He will soon be classified as a world class midfielder and his hefty price tag might prove to be a bargain in the long run. Premier league is indeed fortunate to have such a talent gracing the competition in the upcoming season.

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Central Midfield: Mateo Kovacic

Croatia Training Session - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Croatia Training Session - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

He is seen as the heir apparent to Luka Modric, a tag not to be taken lightly by any means. The Croatian midfielder impressed with Inter Milan which earned him a big money move to Real Madrid where he struggled for playing time. Kovacic's talent is undeniable, but at Real Madrid, he struggled to displace either of Kroos, Modric and even Casemiro. He made up his mind to look elsewhere for consistent playing time which led him to Chelsea on loan for the season and there is a good chance that it might become a permanent arrangement.

His move to Chelsea is beneficial for both sides- Kovacic gets a better shot at playing time in a top European club and Chelsea get a midfielder whose skillset is not replicated anywhere in the squad. Kovacic can occupy any of the three positions in Sarri's midfield. He can combine with the front three with his excellent close control and dribbling, can put in a shift and he also puts in a hard tackle or two. The Croatian will no doubt be motivated to prove his ability at the highest level and under Maurizio Sarri, he gets the perfect oppurtunity to showcase his talent.

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Edited by Moderator -PJ
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