Chelsea’s not so great pre-season ahead of the 2015/16 season has been well documented but even less convincing, has been the Champions’ transfer activity — or lack thereof.
Summer 2014/15 saw the Blues lauded for their swift business in the market that saw them snap up Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, the missing pieces of what would go on to become a title winning side.
A year on and the signings have been less marquee and more, one might say, obligatory.
To replace Cech (now at Arsenal) and Drogba (now at Montreal Impact) , Asmir Begovic and Radamel Falcao were acquired*.
Neither of the aforementioned signings are exactly going to walk into the team ahead of Diego Costa and Courtois, though Courtois’ red card at the weekend may have presented Begovic with an unexpected opportunity — albeit versus Manchester City.
Stones & Baba
All summer Chelsea have been linked with Everton’s John Stones and Augsburg’s Baba Abdul Rahman. Both gained the attention of the footballing world with many tipping them both to go on and have succesful careers.
That, however, is the issue — they are for the future. If you've caught any of Chelsea’s last few matches you will have seen the frailties are very much present-day issues.
Baba, who can play both LB and RB, may be of some present day use as adding one of the Bundesliga’s best defenders from last season would put some much needed pressure on Ivanovic and Azpilicueta who are pretty much undroppable. That whole back four is really — though I think on occasions last season Zouma showed he is prepared to give Cahill a run for his money.
In Stones, you can’t help but feel the club have identified him as JT’s long-term successor. Even then however, there is still Cahill and the tank that is Kurt Zouma for Stones to contend with for a starting place. Not to mention Everton’s reported asking price in excess of the £32m mark. If met Stones would become one the most expensive English defenders in history.
Where are reinforcements needed?
One comment Jose made ahead of the Swansea match stood out with regards to where I feel the club should be focusing recruitment efforts. When the question of whether we would see Fabregas deployed in the number 10 role The Special One responded, “Oscar is the only number 10, Willian can play there. Fabregas can play there. Even Eden Hazard can play there […] But Fabregas is not a pure number 10. He will play many matches for sure, but he is a midfield player more than a player to play behind the striker.”
“Oscar is the only number 10”
Plain and simple. Could not be clearer. Another number 10, proper number 10 is needed. If not internally, who to add to the squad— is another story, the rumour mill coughed and spluttered but never quite got going when talk of Isco emerged early on in the summer.
The other position is on the flanks, deputies are definitely needed in order to allow Willian and Hazard the rests they will undoubtedly need during the course of the season. Now the one good thing is that there is an abundance of options within the squad — though I wouldn't particularly consider any of them world class.
- Moses — very impressive over pre-season won many fans with his powerful and direct approach. End product needs some fine tuning. Reportedly refused to be a make-weight in Begovic deal, definite intent to battle for his place.
- Traore — back from a successful loan spell at Vitesse and subsequent qualification for a work permit. The highly rated Burkinabe international is one to keep an eye on. Can he make the jump to the big time?
- Kenedy* — The latest Brazilian in the ranks debuted impressively against Barcelona, some flashes of something special here. Paperwork issues reportedly resolved.
- Ramires — you know what you’re getting here, when deployed on the wing. Not always the best end product. Puts in an immense defensive shift on the wing.
- Cuadrado — it just hasn’t come good for him (yet?) form and decision making remain as they were last season. Is it too early for him to be on the last chance saloon. He’s taken Drogba’s former #11 jersey so it appears he’s ready to fight for a spot.
