Chelsea FC: Same Problem?

Article by e-Chelsea's Lee Beevor

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The confirmation of Romelu Lukaku’s transfer to Everton for a hefty fee of £28 million came as no great surprise to Blues supporters. Clearly for one reason or another, Lukaku was not rated by Jose Mourinho. On first examination his goal record appears impressive, particularly as it has been obtained as a lone striker, for teams lacking the quality supply available at Chelsea. Furthermore, at age 21, he has plenty of scope to improve and possibly mature into a forward comparable with the very best.

Possibly then it was his attitude that alienated Jose. Certainly Lukaku has demonstrated a tendency to state what he feels he should be doing publicly, rather than voicing his thoughts privately. Like Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose demands complete loyalty and has demonstrated throughout his managerial career an intolerance to those that put themselves before the group. So I feel our manager decided to take the money, rather than risk the destabilising effect of Lukaku’s bleating, particularly as he would be at best second choice.

The Belgian’s departure follows that of Eto’o and Demba, meaning that of last season’s forwards, only Fernando Torres remains. I suspect this is more that he is unsellable, rather than because Jose particularly rates the Spaniard. His high wages, coupled with a negligible quantity of Premier League goals throughout his Chelsea career, make the 30 year old an unappealing prospect. So we are stuck with him, albeit as an option from the bench against a defence worn down by 75 minutes of Costa, he could be effective.

Our options up front are definitely superior to that of last season. Diego Costa is a cut above any of his predecessors and his attributes are perfect for English football and leading the line alone. Furthermore, he has effectively cost nothing, as his £32 million fee is less than that garnered from the sale of Ba and Lukaku. With Didier Drogba joining the squad, we have a varied trio of weapons with which to hurt our opponents. So why am I so worried?

Last season it was generally accepted that Chelsea would have won the Premier League, if not for the feeble goal output of our strikers. With Costa to carry the load, I feel confident this problem has been addressed. However having sold Lukaku, there is no longer a credible back-up option should Costa suffer an injury. Didier is too old to play twice a week and Torres only produces when faced with sub-standard opponents. In this respect, we perhaps face the same problem as in 2013/14. For this reason, I believe we will make one more signing before the window closes. It may be Cavani, who has seemed unsettled at PSG since his transfer from Napoli. Or perhaps it could be Benzema, whose opportunities may be restricted following Madrid’s capture of James Rodriguez. The identity is not so important for me, as this I will trust to the Special One. But if no signing materialises, then I pray Costa stays fit, else we may suffer a familiar sense of regret come May.

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