“I have to say my club did a fantastic job, and not just because of what we bought, but because we did it in almost record time. The transfer market closes 31 August and we close our market on July 19. We finished the market today,”

That was Jose Mourinho‘s declaration this weekend. Chelsea‘s transfer business is done with Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Kurt Zouma, Filipe Luis and Mario Pasalic all signing on this summer.

The squad has also been boosted with various talents coming back from loans notably goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfield marshall Oriol Romeu.

If anything the squad may need trimmed with players such as John Obi Mikel, Romelu Lukaku and Marko Marin all linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

Throughout the squad the ‘Blues’ have great strength in depth in most positions, apart from one in my opinion.

In between the sticks, the battle between Petr Cech and Courtois could be very intriguing as Mourinho has to try and keep both world class keepers happy during the season. Belgian Courtois had an amazing season last term at Atletico Madrid winning La Liga along with Diego Costa and Filipe Luis. He also impressed while representing his country at the World Cup. Due to Cech’s shoulder injury (ironically against Atletico) Courtois should start the campaign as the number one. Chelsea also have an able back-up keeper in Mark Schwarzer ready if needed.

Ashely Cole is now at Roma and Chelsea have replaced their dependable left-back with Filipe Luiz. The Brazilian was a consistent performer during his four year stint in Madrid. He made on average 3.8 tackles per game and his passing accuracy was also above 80%. Ryan Bertrand is back from his impressive loan spell at Villa and could compete with Luis for the left-back spot. That role was right-footed Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta’s last term but he could now be moved to right-back and fight with Branislav Ivanovic for that jersey.

David Luiz has departed, moving to PSG for £50m. Young Frenchman Kurt Zouma was signed in January but only now arrives in London. The nineteen year old made over twenty appearances for Saint Etienne last season but will probably start this campaign on the bench. He will benefit from just watching the English game close up and observe captain John Terry and Gary Cahill from the sidelines. Obviously Ivanovic can also play as a centre half. Youngster Thomas Kalas has gone on loan to 1.FC Koln in order to gain more experience. That could mean that Nathan Ake and Andreas Christensen could see more first team action in the cups and if injuries occur.

As Chelsea usually play a 4-2-3-1 formation, the two central midfielders are important as they have to keep the ball moving and also have to help the defence. Club legend Frank Lampard has left the Bridge but former Barca and Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas could be an inspired replacement. The Spaniard has won plenty of trophies, got all the tools and has EPL experience. Nemanja Matic returned to Chelsea in January and was one of their star players, expect even more solid performances from the Serb this season. Ramires is a midfielder that runs and runs, he gives his all for the cause. He disappointed along with most of the other hosts in Brazil this summer and Jose will need to console the twenty-seven year back to form. Oriol Romeu impressed during his first season at Chelsea but was loaned out to Valencia last year, he’s back and signed a new deal and could be useful if Chelsea need more strength in the middle to close out games. Injury hampered Marco van Ginkel‘s debut season but much is expected from the Dutch player this season.

The creative three that play behind the frontman is well stocked up. Last season Eden Hazard was sensational for Chelsea and he will now hope to step up and become a world star. Mourinho admires Brazilian Oscar who can split defences with sensational passing and he also works hard getting back. Andre Schurrle had a fantastic World Cup, winning it with Germany, and will hope to cement a place in this Chelsea side. Willian showed once he settled in London he can help change games, that should spur him on to a better things. Mohammed Salah is another one who can only improve with a full pre-season under his belt.

Up-front is where help might be needed.

Obviously Diego Costa will come in and be the main man. The aggressive striker will hope to continue his goalscoring form in England. He will definitely rough up a few defenders and that’ll be fun to watch. It will be interesting to see how defenders try to deal with him and what refs will do if he over steps the mark. The Spanish international should get Chelsea goals and that’s why he’s been brought in. Surely we all know that Fernando Torres will never be a consistent threat at Stamford Bridge. If they could get rid of him, they would have. Clearly Jose doesn’t wan Romelu Lukaku and the Belgian will be sold off, probably to Everton. I also doubt Victor Moses has a long-term future at Chelsea and will probably leave this summer either on loan or permanently. Patrick Bamford could be used as a back-up but the twenty year old forward may be better off going on loan to another EPL side.

Plus lets not forgot that Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o have both left this summer.

That’s why Chelsea need to bring back Didier Drogba. Yes he is now thirty-six but last season he managed fourteen strikes in all competitions. He is still extremely fit and influential, who is a man for the big occasions. His leadership qualities would be great in helping Diego Costa settle in at the Bridge. I’d imagine after his spells in Turkey and China, the Ivorian could be ready to take a step back at Chelsea and help bring on the new generation.

He’s a player that Mourinho knows well and who would give his all in a Chelsea shirt. With Costa already signed up, they don’t need to go out and splash a huge amount on a new hitman but if they sell Lukaku and Moses they’ll need better back up than just Torres and Bamford. Drogba on a free makes so much sense.

But Jose Mourinho said Chelsea aren’t going to bring in any more new players? True but the Portuguese manager will just spin the signing declaring that Drogba isn’t a new buy, he’s just returning home.

If Chelsea want to challenge on all fronts next term then they still need a proven back-up striker.

Posted on July 20th, 2014 by scott
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