Although Jose Mourinho proclaimed himself ‘the happy one’ upon his return to Stamford Bridge, after ending the season with no silverware to his name, chances are he was far from that moniker.

For a man who has amassed 19 trophies in 14 years with his various clubs, failure is not an option. Mourinho has regrouped this summer and made some pertinent signings in key areas and judging by Monday season opener they could prove to be invaluable to the blues. Samuel Eto’o has departed, alongside old Mourinho faithful’s Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard. Their replacements however, more than justify the ends of an era.

Diego Costa (£32m – Atletico Madrid)

The 25-year-old Brazilian-born Spanish international was something of an unknown quantity till two years ago.

However, 10 goals in 16 league games for Rayo Vallecano prompted Atletico to give him his break through chance in the 2012/13 season.

Costa proceeded to rattle in 37 league goals in 66 games and began attracting not only interest from clubs around Europe, but the nations too, as Spain battled to make him an adopted son in time for the 2014 World Cup in his actual homeland, Brazil.

Costa is a highly aggressive, controversial figure on the pitch but is also bullish around goal with a powerful build, ruthless finishing and superior aerial qualities.

Mourinho often bemoaned his side’s lack of potency last year, and following a less than impressive World Cup, Costa has already set out in pre-season to prove a point. This continued with the forward only taking 17 minutes to open his premier league account, something his fellow Spanish international Torres took 734 minutes to do. The Premier League Golden Boot could be coming to Stamford Bridge for the first time since a certain Ivorian…

Didier Drogba (Free – Galatasaray)

As a few of Mourinho’s reliable old guard departed, one of his prodigal sons returned.

Drogba will be 37-years-old in March 2015 and has no doubt come to play second fiddle to Costa in his second spell at the Bridge. However, Drogba still has a lot to offer this Chelsea side through invaluable experience and his knack for scoring important goals.

Drogba also still carries that all-important ‘winner’s mentality’ that Mourinho constantly exudes – the chance to have that rub off on the younger talent is invaluable.

Cesc Fabregas (£30m – Barcelona)

Many people believe the former Arsenal man is the perfect replacement for Chelsea legend Frank Lampard due to his offensive capabilities.

The 27-year-old Spaniard reached double figures for both goals and assists in all of his three seasons with Barcelona, and his most fruitful Premier League campaign saw him score 19 and make 17 goals in 27 league games for Arsenal in 09/10.

Fabregas is sure to add some much needed creativity and reliable goal scoring to the Chelsea midfield, with his best years ahead of him. He can play a vital part in Chelsea’s fortunes this term, and along with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, this has to be regarded as one of the deals of the window. Like Costa, Fabregas debut could not have gone any better, Fabregas laid on 2 assists and looked like he had never been away from the league, a shrewd bit of business indeed.

 

Filipe Luis (£16m – Atletico Madrid)

Although Cesar Azpilicueta starred for Chelsea in the left-back slot last season, Mourinho has sought to bring some more balance to his back-line with the competitive and dependable Filipe Luis.

Since his move to Madrid from Deportivo, the Brazilian has starred in the meteoric rise of Atletico and has shown he is just as adept to moving forward as he is to his stout defending duties.

After turning 29 last week, Luis may not be the long-term solution that Luke Shaw’s move to Manchester United represents, but he certainly has the pedigree that potential can only strive to match.

Posted on August 26th, 2014 by admin
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