Incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will have a lot on his plate come his arrival at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Despite Chelsea’s upturn in fortunes under interim boss Guus Hiddink, there is still plenty of work for the new Blues manager to do if he is return the side to the heights of last year.
Premier League Champion’s 2014/15, Chelsea finished 10th in the table and out in the early stages of all the other major competitions.
In-fact, the Blue’s are the not-so-proud owners o the unwanted title for the ‘worst premier league defence in history’, stealing the crown from Blackburn who finished 7th the season after winning the title in 1994/95.
Conte will want to continue his impressive managerial record, having guided former club Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles.
The current Italy boss will be looking for reinforcements this summer as he looks to put his own stamp on the boys in blue and continue his impressive record.
Given the right transfer purse from the powers that be; here is what Chelsea’s starting XI could look like next season, or so our landlord hopes so…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE CONTE’S CHELSEA XI!
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GK – Kevin Trapp
With Thibout Courtois allegedly unhappy at the Bridge, a summer move to mega money PSG may be on the cards, with the Parisian outfit having already registered interest in the Belgian International.
If so, current PSG number 1 Kevin Trapp may just make the opposite move to the bridge.
With the German keeper having had a fine season in Ligue 1, the 25-year-old would be a worthy replacement.
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta
Why sign a new right back when you already have a world class one on your books?
Cesar Azpilicueta has been fulfilling the role of left back (and very well it must be said) due to Branislav Ivanovic occupying the right hand side.
With the Serbian set to take a back seat, Azpilicueta can now move back to his preferred side.
CB – Kurt Zouma
Zouma’s horrific injury back in February ruled the young Frenchman out for the rest of the season, and hence created a dilemma for interim boss Guus Hiddink.
The Blue’s have rotated and rotated in his absence to find a suitable defensive pairing, but haven’t seemed to be able to fill the void left by the 21-year-old.
Mature far beyond his years, expect Zouma to be the heart of Chelsea’s defence next season.
CB – Gary Cahill
The Englishman hasn’t had his best season in a Chelsea shirt, but that can’t detract from the former Bolton Wanderer’s man undoubted quality.
While youngster Jake Clarke-Salter may be the heir to John Terry’s throne; the 18-year-old is not experienced enough to yet make the jump to Premier League football.
Cahill is still a more than capable replacement however and a good Euro 2016 could see his best form return next season.
LB – Baba Rahman
Big things are certainly expected of the young Ghanian full back.
While he may have struggled for playing time, when the 21-year-old has made an appearance he has been solid.
It has not been the easiest season for the youngster to warm to the Premier League to, so expect the former FC Dreams (what a name) man to improve exponentially.
CDM – Radja Nainggolan
An embodiment of all Antonio Conte stands for, Chelsea’s supposed first summer signing is the midfield enforcer Chelsea oh so need.
‘The ninja’ has unparalleled hunger and desire in the middle of the park, and makes life extremely difficult for the opposition team.
As well as this, Nainggolan posses a touch of class most defensive midfielders lack.
A modern day Edgar Davids.
RM – Willian
It would be such a shame if Chelsea’s player of the year were to make the switch to China this summer, with the affluent Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande interested in securing the attacking midfielder’s services.
Quicker with the ball at his feet than without, and with a turning circle as tight as Arsene Wenger, Willian is a defender’s nightmare.
LM – Eden Hazard
There is the Eden Hazard we know and love.
The Belgian midfielder was outstanding towards the end of Chelsea’s season, and scored an absolute belter against Tottenham to deny the Blues’ rivals the title and mark his return to form.
Another fine solo goal against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw, and suddenly it seems Chelsea once again have found their key man back to his best.
CAM – Paul Pogba
Antonio Conte’s star at Juve, Pogba has made a name for himself as one of the best midfielders in world football since his departure as a youngster from Old Trafford in 2012.
Powerful, skilful and with a ‘penchant for the spectacular’, the Frenchman would be a welcomed acquisition at Stamford Bridge.
Having tried to sign him last summer, the 23-year-old could be lured by his former boss’ presence in Southwest London.
CAM – Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas had a terrific first season at the Blues, and seemed to welcome playing in a deeper role alongside a now faltering Nemanja Matic.
The Spaniard has looked at his best this season however in a more advanced role, much like he did at both Arsenal and Barcelona.
Pin-point passing and creativity in abundance, with a solid defensive midfielder behind him Fabregas could flourish under Conte.
ST – Romelu Lukaku
A man Jose Mourinho said didn’t have the ability nor desire to fight for a starting place at the Bridge, the Belgian is heavily linked with a move back to London this summer.
Having impressed at both West Brom and Everton – becoming the youngest player to reach to 50 goal mark in the Premier League – the striker has become a top transfer target for a number of Europe’s biggest clubs.
