A Dream Chelsea Lineup With Three Summer Additions
Chelsea’s Antonio Conte is on a mission to make the Blues one of the strongest in Europe and is looking to sign some of the brightest stars in world football. Though Chelsea look like the favourites to win the league title this season, they need quite a few upgradations if they are to compete on all four fronts next campaign. The manager will surely splash the cash needed to get deals done this summer and here is the lineup Conte might field in the first game next season.
Defence:
Thibaut Courtois has been constantly linked with an exit but Real Madrid seem to be more interested in David de Gea and are expected to leave the Belgian alone. He should start as the first choice shot-stopper next season at Stamford Bridge.
Conte is expected to stick with a 3-4-3 system which will see Spanish star Cesar Azpilicueta keep his place on the right-hand side of the defence. David Luiz is expected to play at the heart of the defence for another year but English duo Gary Cahill and John Terry may not even be at the club next season and Kurt Zouma is currently only regarded as a backup.
Conte has been looking at a number of defenders in Europe including Jonatan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen and Michael Keane from Burnley. But the best option for the Blues is the Saints’ star Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch international is among the best in the league at the moment and Conte should bring him into the side to add some strength at the back for the European challenges.
Midfield:
Wing-backs Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso on either flank have done exceptionally well and even if Conte wants to spend, he will only buy players who can cover for them and should stick with them in the first team.
French midfield engine N’Golo Kante has been the player of the year so far and he should keep his place in the first team in the middle of the park. Nemanja Matic has been decent but he and Cesc Fabregas have been used in rotation and Conte might want to spend on a midfield enforcer this summer.
The likes of Franck Kessie, Steven N’Zonzi and Isco have been linked with a move to the club this summer. However, Bundesliga star Naby Keita could be the best bet for Conte and he should partner Kante in the midfield for the Blues in the first game next season.
Attack:
Diego Costa has been in sublime form this season and unless he wants to leave, he will be the first-choice striker next season. Belgian star Eden Hazard is wanted at the Bernabeu but it is hard to see Conte let him leave in just his second season in England. Conte will want him to stay and he will be one of the first names on the team sheet next season.
While Pedro and Willian have been productive, Conte would want to add a superstar to the attack, that will make them unbeatable. One player who Conte can target is Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez. Alvaro Morata, Andrea Belotti and Moussa Dembele (from Celtic) are also on the radar but a front three of Costa, Sanchez, and Hazard could send shivers down the spine of even the best of the teams in Europe.
Here is how they might line up:
