Chelsea FC: Which eleven?

Article by e-Chelsea's Lee Beevor @LeeBeevor

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With the big kick-off less than a month away, I am extremely excited at Chelsea’s prospects. Our three major signings all address areas of the squad in which we were deficient in the last campaign. With pre-season in its infancy, quite which personnel will comprise the first team squad is unclear. However, the identity of what is a formidable first eleven, I believe to be as follows:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Forget sentiment, this is an easy decision. Courtois commands the penalty area in a way Cech cannot match. When faced with an incoming cross Petr tends to take a step forward, before retreating to his line. The result is a deeper line and increased pressure on the centre backs, with more concessions from set pieces than in the past. Not only does Courtois come for everything, unusually for a foreign keeper he is not afraid to catch the ball, rather than continually elect to punch.

Left Back: Filipe Luis

Like Ashley Cole, Luis is both an excellent defender and a phenomenal athlete, with energy reserves to rival those of Willian. The prospect of him overlapping with Eden in offensive areas is mouth watering!

Right Back: Cesar Azpilicueta

Much as I adore Branislav Ivanovic, he cannot cross a football with any sort of accuracy. Last season, most teams were prepared to allow him possession, knowing he was unlikely to cause a threat (City away accepted!). His poor delivery contributed significantly to our inability to break down massed defences. With Cesar restored to his preferred flank, we improve immeasurably our supply from this side of the pitch.

Centre Backs: JT, Cahill, Ivanovic

All three are excellent defenders, with each much loved by their manager. As such, all will receive plenty of game time in what will hopefully be a season of many matches.

Defensive Midfield: Matic and Fabregas

Nemanja Matic has been magnificent since his return to the club, roughing up even the great Yaya Toure. Whilst he is an automatic choice, less clear was who to play alongside him. To provide swift transition, it is essential the player can inject pace and thrust to instantly create attacking moves. The 2014 Lampard was too slow, David Luiz inconsistent and Ramires, the most naturally suited, had his worst season in a blue shirt. Fabregas is perfect for the role, with his propensity to burst past opposition midfielders and force defenders to step out, certain to create space to be exploited.

Attacking midfield: Hazard, Willian, Oscar, Schurrle

Here I have named four, as I believe any combination of these will deliver the goods. Nor need the “number ten” role fall exclusively to Oscar, as there is plenty of flexibility within this group. I have not included Salah, as for the time being his role will be limited to that of an impact substitute.

Centre Forward: Diego Costa

Having watched Costa closely since Christmas, I been increasing convinced of his suitability to our most problematic position. He confines his work to the central area of the pitch, ensuring he will always be available in dangerous areas. Furthermore he makes frequent and well timed runs, offering a tempting target for Chelsea’s creative core. Last season I found it maddening to witness quality crosses whipped across the six yard line, with our attack nowhere to be seen. With Costa this will not happen, as he is well aware of his responsibility. All of his goals in 2013/14’s La Liga were converted from inside the penalty area.

His finishing is far from deadly, albeit misses do seem to faze him. In the World Cup he failed to score for Spain, but did not elect to hide in wide areas, maintaining his position. This was despite intense hostility from the Brazilian crowd, on the biggest stage of them all. This character bodes well for the difficult away days he will face in the Premier League.

So perm any eleven from my thirteen and you have a team as good as any in the world today. The squad too is deeper than that of last season. Optimistic? You bet I am!

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