Here’s A Dream Chelsea XI That Can Challenge For Premier League Title Next Season
Antonio Conte wasted no time in writing himself into the history books of the Premier League, as he masterminded the Blues to the league title in his debut season in the country. The Italian altered his tactics when it was most required and the changes brought instant results, leading the club to the Premier League crown last season.
However, the expectations which were set last season have not been met by Conte and co. this season. The Blues are currently struggling to make it to the top-four this season after a year of rich success under the Italian. They were also knocked out of the Champions League earlier this campaign and the FA Cup remains the only trophy for Conte to salvage this campaign.
Poor results and indifferent form since the turn of the year has put immense pressure on Conte. The Italian now has the task of at least guiding Chelsea to a top-four finish before bringing the FA Cup to Stamford Bridge. Even if he succeeds, there are no assurances on whether the Italian will be at Chelsea next season.
But assuming Conte stays at the Bridge next season, I think he would demand a lot more from the Chelsea board. The manager could splash the cash to get deals done this summer and here is the dream XI that can turn Chelsea into title contenders next season.
Dream Chelsea XI
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Antonio Conte
Thibaut Courtois (GK)
The Belgian is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge. Having been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, Courtois recently expressed his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Andreas Christensen (RCB)
Christensen has been solid this season, performing with the maturity that a defender displays during his peak. The Dane is very young and has a bright future ahead after establishing himself as a regular figure under Conte this season.
Leonardo Bonucci (CB)
Conte would love to have Leonardo Bonucci playing under him at Chelsea, wouldn’t he?. The Italian is considered as one of the most reliable centre-backs in the modern day and that would make the Blues’ back-line rock solid should Conte succeed in signing the AC Milan defender in the summer.
Cesar Azpilicueta (LCB)
Chelsea’s Mr. reliable, Cesar Azpilicueta would definitely keep his place in Conte’s team next season. The Spaniard is a diligent performer and brings a certain level of calmness in the Chelsea back-line.
Victor Moses (RWB)
Industrious Victor Moses is the kind of player Conte absolutely loves and the Nigerian deserves to retain his spot at right wing-back next season.
Marcos Alonso (LWB)
Just like Moses, Alonso has been a consistent performer for the Blues and there is no way Conte would ship him out of the club in the summer.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
The French midfielder was undoubtedly one of the main reasons why Chelsea won the Premier League last season. He has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain but Kante recently cited Chelsea as his “home”.
Arturo Vidal (CM)
Expectations were very high when Tiemoue Bakayoko joined Chelsea last summer after guiding AS Monaco to the Ligue 1 title. However, the French powerhouse has failed to live up to the billing and has been deemed as a flop.
Although Chelsea have the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley, they certainly need a deep-lying playmaker in their ranks. Bayern’s Arturo Vidal fits the bill perfectly and having played under Conte at Juventus, the Chilean might not hesitate much if the Italian comes calling in summer.
Ross Barkley (LW)
I assume Eden Hazard will leave for Real Madrid next season. If Chelsea can keep him away from the clutches of Real by making him sign a new deal, then it would be a fantastic achievement. But assuming the Belgian star joins the Spanish giants, it is wise for Conte to seek for options on the left.
Chelsea signed Ross Barkley from Everton in January but the midfielder has hardly played for the Blues due to his fitness. The England international is expected to attain full fitness by the summer and fight for a first-team berth next season.
Willian (RW)
Willian has undoubtedly been Chelsea’s best player this season. The Brazilian has shown a lot of quality, zest, energy and pace, and at times has won games single-handedly. Come next season and Willian will continue to be in Conte’s starting XI.
Robert Lewandowski (ST)
Alvaro Morata got off to a flying start in Chelsea shirt after signing from Real last summer. But since he lost his form, Conte signed Olivier Giroud from Arsenal in January. But the Frenchman has endured a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge and Conte could once again take a dip in the transfer market for a striker.
The Chelsea manager can eye Bayern’s hit-man Robert Lewandowski in summer. The 29-year-old has been a prolific scorer at Bayern. If the Polish star decides to leave Allianz Arena, Conte, without thinking twice, should make a move.
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