Chelsea under Conte | Let's sign the next Hazard, literally.

[AshfordLad]

This coming summer Chelsea will certainly be a more attractive prospect to join. If Costa goes to China for €120m as has been widely reported the club will have somewhere on the order of €250m to potentially spend. Assuming Lukaku costs €75m then there's still €175m to spend in reinforcing the squad-for me a goalscoring box to box CM is needed along with depth at the wingback positions. Potentially a left footed right forward as well who likes to come inside to create space for wingback overlaps...Dybala or Griezmann?

I'm personally not sold on Sanchez; he's a class player but I don't think he'll age well. I'd be reluctant to spend the rumoured €50m on him personally. For me the dream summer would be something like Dybala (€120m), Nainggolan (€30m), Lukaku (€75m), Sidibe (€25m), Christensen (free). I'd also probably sell Willian, with Pedro assuming his role coming off the bench.

--------------Courtois----------------
Azpilicueta----Luiz(C)---Christensen
Sidibe--Kante---Nainggolan--Alonso
---Dybala-----Lukaku-----Hazard---

Subs: Begovic(?), Moses, Fabregas, Matic, Pedro, Zouma, Ake

For me that's one of the best sides in Europe, capable of challenging on multiple fronts and playing a wide variety of styles.

Even dreaming that Dybala is going to come to Chelsea could be classed as delusional. Also, I think Sanchez is the sort of player who will play well into early 30s. He does not rely on pace or dribbling ability.

I think a great summer would/could be getting Sanchez (£40m), Koulibaly/Manolas (£40m), Rodriguez (£30m), Aurier (£10-12m) and one out of Aubamayang/Morata/Icardi/Lukaku (£60-70m). Most of this could be financed by sales of Costa and Willian.

 

[Prometheus]

Even dreaming that Dybala is going to come to Chelsea could be classed as delusional.

Why?

 

[AshfordLad]

Why?

When was the last time we bought the best player of a top european team?

 

[Theafonis]

When was the last time we bought the best player of a top european team?

Shevchenko

For me I think it's better to sign players in the mould of 22-27 for a reasonable price that could be potential gems, instead of going for superstars like James and Auba.

The only top player I'd take right now is Sanchez, and that's just because he'd give our front line another dimension, in addition to taking off the goal scoring burden from Hazard and Costa who basically carry us.

 

[Claude Makélélé]

--------------Courtois----------------
Azpilicueta----Luiz(C)---Christensen
Sidibe--Kante---Nainggolan--Alonso
---Dybala-----Lukaku-----Hazard---

Subs: Begovic(?), Moses, Fabregas, Matic, Pedro, Zouma, Ake

For me that's one of the best sides in Europe, capable of challenging on multiple fronts and playing a wide variety of styles.

Regardless how much money we are going to spend, getting both Dybala and Lukaku at the same transfer window is a bit unrealistic.

I would be happy if we have a squad like this at the beginning of next season:

GK: Courtois
Back three: Azpilicueta, Luiz, Van Dijk
Mid: Mose, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso
Forward: Pedro, Lukaku/Costa, Hazard

This upgrade may cost 150M already and all additional players above are buyable (highly linked to Chelsea). Of course we need 1 or 2 wing backs and if we can get Sanchez to replace Pedro, that's fantastic.

 

[Snow]

Shevchenko

For me I think it's better to sign players in the mould of 22-27 for a reasonable price that could be potential gems, instead of going for superstars like James and Auba.

The only top player I'd take right now is Sanchez, and that's just because he'd give our front line another dimension, in addition to taking off the goal scoring burden from Hazard and Costa who basically carry us.

James could do that. He's smack in the middle of your age range and he has scored goals for Porto, Monaco and Real. He'd be a brilliant player for a team that will start him every game.

 

[Hemil]

Even dreaming that Dybala is going to come to Chelsea could be classed as delusional. Also, I think Sanchez is the sort of player who will play well into early 30s. He does not rely on pace or dribbling ability.

I think a great summer would/could be getting Sanchez (£40m), Koulibaly/Manolas (£40m), Rodriguez (£30m), Aurier (£10-12m) and one out of Aubamayang/Morata/Icardi/Lukaku (£60-70m). Most of this could be financed by sales of Costa and Willian.

Regardless how much money we are going to spend, getting both Dybala and Lukaku at the same transfer window is a bit unrealistic.

I would be happy if we have a squad like this at the beginning of next season:

GK: Courtois
Back three: Azpilicueta, Luiz, Van Dijk
Mid: Mose, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso
Forward: Pedro, Lukaku/Costa, Hazard

This upgrade may cost 150M already and all additional players above are buyable (highly linked to Chelsea). Of course we need 1 or 2 wing backs and if we can get Sanchez to replace Pedro, that's fantastic.

I clearly don't understand what is the need to buy a new CB.We already have 3 very good ones in the first team with Zouma, Christensen and Ake on the horizon. No doubt any other CB would be an upgrade over Cahill but he has played really well this season in the current system. I would not like to see him benched.

 

[Treble_Winning]

This coming summer Chelsea will certainly be a more attractive prospect to join. If Costa goes to China for €120m as has been widely reported the club will have somewhere on the order of €250m to potentially spend. Assuming Lukaku costs €75m then there's still €175m to spend in reinforcing the squad-for me a goalscoring box to box CM is needed along with depth at the wingback positions. Potentially a left footed right forward as well who likes to come inside to create space for wingback overlaps...Dybala or Griezmann?

I'm personally not sold on Sanchez; he's a class player but I don't think he'll age well. I'd be reluctant to spend the rumoured €50m on him personally. For me the dream summer would be something like Dybala (€120m), Nainggolan (€30m), Lukaku (€75m), Sidibe (€25m), Christensen (free). I'd also probably sell Willian, with Pedro assuming his role coming off the bench.

--------------Courtois----------------
Azpilicueta----Luiz(C)---Christensen
Sidibe--Kante---Nainggolan--Alonso
---Dybala-----Lukaku-----Hazard---

Subs: Begovic(?), Moses, Fabregas, Matic, Pedro, Zouma, Ake

For me that's one of the best sides in Europe, capable of challenging on multiple fronts and playing a wide variety of styles.

How do Chelsea fans feel about having no English players at all in the team? Based on the lineup you posted, there isn't even an English player on the bench.

In the past, clubs spoke about having a strong English core. Almost all dominant teams in the PL era have had one, from Arsenal's famous backline, to United's class of 92, to Chelsea's spine of Terry, Lampard, and the two Coles.

Even during Arsenal's later successful spell which was dominated by French players (Henry, Vieira, Pires) they still had a key player in Sol Campbell who was extremely important in that side.

Do Chelsea fans care?

I'm genuinely curious. This is not a criticism of Chelsea fans. I just want to know what they feel about having zero English players.

 

[Hemil]

How do Chelsea fans feel about having no English players at all in the team? Based on the lineup you posted, there isn't even an English player on the bench.

In the past, clubs spoke about having a strong English core. Almost all dominant teams in the PL era have had one, from Arsenal's famous backline, to United's class of 92, to Chelsea's spine of Terry, Lampard, and the two Coles.

Even during Arsenal's later successful spell which was dominated by French players (Henry, Vieira, Pires) they still had a key player in Sol Campbell who was extremely important in that side.

Do Chelsea fans care?

I'm genuinely curious. This is not a criticism of Chelsea fans. I just want to know what they feel about having zero English players.

Looking at the current generation, it makes no sense picking up English players. The only good ones are all playing for Spurs which no one of us can buy. They are only good to make up the home-grown quota. No way can you compete with the Madrid's and the Barca's with an English core. Does England even have a good/great GK, defender, midfielder or striker who you would want playing for your team who is not at Spurs?

Looking at how Dortmund, Monaco et all doing so well, getting great young talent is not going to be an expensive as buying Alli or Kane.

Could you name me 2 English players you would put in this Chelsea 11 who is not playing for Spurs?

 

[Sunspear17]

I clearly don't understand what is the need to buy a new CB.We already have 3 very good ones in the first team with Zouma, Christensen and Ake on the horizon. No doubt any other CB would be an upgrade over Cahill but he has played really well this season in the current system. I would not like to see him benched.

Zouma is awful on the ball, and he's still learning the system. I think Zouma is a weak link in our defence. Ake is yet to prove himself against elite players, and although I would love him to be part of our team, I don't see where he'll fit in on a regular basis. Christensen is the only one I can see establishing himself in defence next season. Cahill under pressure is a headless chicken, and his ball playing and pace is lacking too. I would stick with Luiz, Azpi and Christensen in back 3. However, this is presuming we even play a back 3 next season which isn't a given at all. With the right personnel, Conte may decide to try a totally new formation.

 

[Sunspear17]

Why?

Dybala plays for Juve, Belotti plays for Torino. If we're going to go for a young striker with potential then surely the latter is the way to go as he would be easier to aquire and could turn out to be just as good, if not better than the former. Don't watch Torino at all, just keep hearing good things about Belotti. However, I would personally love to see young Abraham make it into our first team in the near future. People continue to talk about a Prem loan, but for me these loans take the incentive out of the young lads to want/need to play for Chelsea. Look at Alli and Kane as examples; Spurs took a punt on them and didn't send them on a Prem loan to see their quality.

 

[Hemil]

Zouma is awful on the ball, and he's still learning the system. I think Zouma is a weak link in our defence. Ake is yet to prove himself against elite players, and although I would love him to be part of our team, I don't see where he'll fit in on a regular basis. Christensen is the only one I can see establishing himself in defence next season. Cahill under pressure is a headless chicken, and his ball playing and pace is lacking too. I would stick with Luiz, Azpi and Christensen in back 3. However, this is presuming we even play a back 3 next season which isn't a given at all. With the right personnel, Conte may decide to try a totally new formation.

Definitely Christensen should be ahead of Zouma and Ake is the pecking order. But, I just dont see us paying a back 4. Luiz and Alonso will get exposed then. The current 3-4-3 is the best option for us. Juve have been playing the back 3 for ages now and look how good they were last night.

 

[roonster09]

Definitely Christensen should be ahead of Zouma and Ake is the pecking order. But, I just dont see us paying a back 4. Luiz and Alonso will get exposed then. The current 3-4-3 is the best option for us. Juve have been playing the back 3 for ages now and look how good they were last night.

They didn't play back 3 last night. It was reported as 4-2-3-1 with Dybala, Mandzukic, Cuadrado playing behind Higuain, Pjanic and Khedira as holding mids.

 

[Hemil]

They didn't play back 3 last night. It was reported as 4-2-3-1 with Dybala, Mandzukic, Cuadrado playing behind Higuain, Pjanic and Khedira as holding mids.

My mistake. I somehow thought they did. Just checked and Barzagli just came on in 89th minute,

 

[The Outsider]

How do Chelsea fans feel about having no English players at all in the team? Based on the lineup you posted, there isn't even an English player on the bench.

In the past, clubs spoke about having a strong English core. Almost all dominant teams in the PL era have had one, from Arsenal's famous backline, to United's class of 92, to Chelsea's spine of Terry, Lampard, and the two Coles.

Even during Arsenal's later successful spell which was dominated by French players (Henry, Vieira, Pires) they still had a key player in Sol Campbell who was extremely important in that side.

Do Chelsea fans care?

I'm genuinely curious. This is not a criticism of Chelsea fans. I just want to know what they feel about having zero English players.

Yes I would like more English players. I used to like it when we played Arsenal as at least we had some English players and at the time they did not.
Not the case now and because of the current success I haven't really noticed.

Personally I would like quotas so at least we would have a minimum of English players. Say at least three had to be on the pitch at each game for each club. Of course no restrictions at the upper level.

 

[Claude Makélélé]

I clearly don't understand what is the need to buy a new CB.We already have 3 very good ones in the first team with Zouma, Christensen and Ake on the horizon. No doubt any other CB would be an upgrade over Cahill but he has played really well this season in the current system. I would not like to see him benched.

There are several reasons I can see for Conte to buy a established CB this summer.

Chelsea's back three is not the best in the league. In terms of least goal conceded, we are third in the league behind Spurs and United. In a dual fight in back three, highly we would lost to Spurs. The defense has been our pride for years and I don't think Conte have satisfied with it at the moment.

Zouma and Ake is making no pressure on the starting back three. Dave, Luiz and Cahill are the obvious choices and guaranteed to play every game - there is no pressure on them at the moment. Christensen is the only one who can challenge them but he even hasn't been tested with English football yet. So there may be a high risk if Zouma, Ake and Christensen are the only other choices we have next season.

Van Dijk, if we are going get him as The Telegraph suggested, can boost the competition in defense. This guy is one of the best in the league and with him our defense will certainly be ungraded.

For him getting in the team, I can see Christensen staying, Zouma or Ake leaving on loan. Remember then we have Dave, Luiz, Cahill, Christensen, Van Dijk and Zouma/Ake - 6 players compete for 3 slots in the back, and 2 of them are young. That's good.

Edit: I think we would not be surprised if even both Zouma and Ake leaving on loan in the summer.

 

[Hemil]

There are several reasons I can see for Conte to buy a established CB this summer.

Chelsea's back three is not the best in the league. In terms of least goal conceded, we are third in the league behind Spurs and United. In a dual fight in back three, highly we would lost to Spurs. The defense has been our pride for years and I don't think Conte have satisfied with it at the moment.

Zouma and Ake is making no pressure on the starting back three. Dave, Luiz and Cahill are the obvious choices and guaranteed to play every game - there is no pressure on them at the moment. Christensen is the only one who can challenge them but he even hasn't been tested with English football yet. So there may be a high risk if Zouma, Ake and Christensen are the only other choices we have next season.

Van Dijk, if we are going get him as The Telegraph suggested, can boost the competition in defense. This guy is one of the best in the league and with him our defense will certainly be ungraded.

For him getting in the team, I can see Christensen staying, Zouma or Ake leaving on loan. Remember then we have Dave, Luiz, Cahill, Christensen, Van Dijk and Zouma/Ake - 6 players compete for 3 slots in the back, and 2 of them are young. That's good.

Edit: I think we would not be surprised if even both Zouma and Ake leaving on loan in the summer.

I really think if we sign VVD, we are at a risk of losing Christensen. He would want to come here to play for the first team.It will be like we recalled KDB but signed Schurrle and Willian. In the 1st game of the next season, I really do not see anyone other than the current back 3 starting anyways.

 

[Claude Makélélé]

I really think if we sign VVD, we are at a risk of losing Christensen. He would want to come here to play for the first team.It will be like we recalled KDB but signed Schurrle and Willian. In the 1st game of the next season, I really do not see anyone other than the current back 3 starting anyways.

Yes, you're quite right that we would probably start with the same back three in the 1st game next season, as Christensen has to earn his place and prove himself here if he wants to stay. Noway he is guaranteed a place in the first team immediately. And even Van Dijk, if he comes, he has to fight for his slot.

The ideal is that with Luiz, Dave, Cahill, Van Dijk and Christensen, we have a real competition in the back, which at the moment we don't have. There is also a high risk if we assume Christensen will be great in his first season in England.

 

[AshfordLad]

I clearly don't understand what is the need to buy a new CB.We already have 3 very good ones in the first team with Zouma, Christensen and Ake on the horizon. No doubt any other CB would be an upgrade over Cahill but he has played really well this season in the current system. I would not like to see him benched.

If we could get Koulibaly, I would buy him and send Christensen and Ake on loan for another year.

Also, if we are to have any chance in the CL next season, we can not have Cahill in the 11. Maybe even Azpi needs to go (or play wing back).

 

[Kentonio]

If we could get Koulibaly, I would buy him and send Christensen and Ake on loan for another year.

Also, if we are to have any chance in the CL next season, we can not have Cahill in the 11. Maybe even Azpi needs to go (or play wing back).

If we tried to send Christensen out on loan again, we'd almost certainly lose him permanently. I see a lot of people talking down Zouma too, without remembering he's only just come back from a terrible injury. Those two are both great players, and we're entering the period where they need to be integrated.

 

[Synco]

If we tried to send Christensen out on loan again, we'd almost certainly lose him permanently. I see a lot of people talking down Zouma too, without remembering he's only just come back from a terrible injury. Those two are both great players, and we're entering the period where they need to be integrated.

Gladbach wants to convince Chelsea & Christensen of an arrangement similar to Thorgan Hazard's transfer: Permanent move, quite high transfer fee, higher but still reasonable buyback clause. It would be a setting that could perhaps avoid the problems you mention.

That said, I agree that Conte should bring him back and give him the opportunity to get into the team. Christensen will have played two full seasons as a starter, including high calibre games in the BL, EL, CL and the German cup. He has shown to be a talented, well-rounded and intelligent player with a very high ceiling, so that should be enough to get a chance as Chelsea's CB no 3-5, depending on his performances.

Also, despite some limitations, Cahill is an experienced CB and well settled in Chelsea's system, so I'm sure he remains a good option for Conte if none of the youngsters impress right away.

 

[Supermonkey]

Cahill, Matic, one of the wing backs are absolutely needing an upgrade

RW isn't far behind, but the combination of Pedro and Willian means it isn't as pressing as the others.

3-4 new first team players. Keep fabregas, Zouma, Alonso, Moses and Pedro. The team would be strong and the squad also

 

[The Outsider]

Cahill, Matic, one of the wing backs are absolutely needing an upgrade

RW isn't far behind, but the combination of Pedro and Willian means it isn't as pressing as the others.

3-4 new first team players. Keep fabregas, Zouma, Alonso, Moses and Pedro. The team would be strong and the squad also

If we are going to persist with wing backs I would cash-in on Zouma, if we get a forward upgrade I see Willian or Pedro moving on.

 

[AshfordLad]

If we tried to send Christensen out on loan again, we'd almost certainly lose him permanently. I see a lot of people talking down Zouma too, without remembering he's only just come back from a terrible injury. Those two are both great players, and we're entering the period where they need to be integrated.

I would rather see him do a Courtois like move (straight into our starting 11) rather than do a Traore (fight for a place). Being a star for gladbach does not guarantee success in the PL as seen from xhaka's move.

Zouma is fine, he should be allowed time to get into that RCB spot slowly. But if this team is to progress, I unfortunately dont see a regular spot for Azpi in there.

 

[AshfordLad]

Also whats with all these Chelsea supporters getting banned one after the other. Any dippers or spurs become mod lately?

 

[Claude Makélélé]

I would rather see him do a Courtois like move (straight into our starting 11) rather than do a Traore (fight for a place). Being a star for gladbach does not guarantee success in the PL as seen from xhaka's move.

Zouma is fine, he should be allowed time to get into that RCB spot slowly. But if this team is to progress, I unfortunately dont see a regular spot for Azpi in there.

Azpilicueta has been our finest defender for years and just rewarded by a new contract. Jose loved him and Conte has never dropped him. Best 1 vs 1 defender in the league. I can't see him losing his place next season.

 

[Treble_Winning]

Looking at the current generation, it makes no sense picking up English players. The only good ones are all playing for Spurs which no one of us can buy. They are only good to make up the home-grown quota. No way can you compete with the Madrid's and the Barca's with an English core. Does England even have a good/great GK, defender, midfielder or striker who you would want playing for your team who is not at Spurs?

Looking at how Dortmund, Monaco et all doing so well, getting great young talent is not going to be an expensive as buying Alli or Kane.

Could you name me 2 English players you would put in this Chelsea 11 who is not playing for Spurs?

So how have Spurs succeeded where the rest of the top clubs have failed? How did they manage to build a team which includes some very good English players?

Maybe it's just not possible to sign ready made world class English players. And that instead, it is necessary to find players with potential and develop them? Lampard wasn't a big star before joining you, and neither was your current captain Cahill. And all of the current Spurs crop (Kane, Alli, Rose, Walker) weren't even known players before joining Spurs but are now regarded as top players. Even when we signed Rio and Rooney they were considered potential world class talents, not the finished product.

To answer your question specifically though, I like Shaw as a player (most United fans do) and he certainly has the talent to go far, as does Rashford.

I also think Bertrand, Redmond, Maguire, Welbeck and Rodwell all have potential to become top players. Rodwell made a bad career move but deserves another chance. None of them play for Spurs. Specifically, if you signed Bertrand and really developed him, he could be better than Alonso and hence he would be a starter in your current team.

 

[Treble_Winning]

Azpilicueta has been our finest defender for years and just rewarded by a new contract. Jose loved him and Conte has never dropped him. Best 1 vs 1 defender in the league. I can't see him losing his place next season.

Why doesn't he try Azpilicueta at RWB and play a natural center back? He is a good defender but center backs need to be aerially dominant and that's the one weakness in his game. It was how Spurs beat you.

 

[AshfordLad]

Azpilicueta has been our finest defender for years and just rewarded by a new contract. Jose loved him and Conte has never dropped him. Best 1 vs 1 defender in the league. I can't see him losing his place next season.

A 5'9" RCB could easily get ripped to shreds by the likes of Ronaldo, Neymar etc. He is very solid but he ain't no AC3. If we are to progress in this 3-4-3 formation he is likely to be one of the players go.

Why doesn't he try Azpilicueta at RWB and play a natural center back? He is a good defender but center backs need to be aerially dominant and that's the one weakness in his game. It was how Spurs beat you.

He is not as good in attack. If he player RWB, the right side would struggle creatively as it always did under Mourinho.

 

[Cheesy]

So how have Spurs succeeded where the rest of the top clubs have failed? How did they manage to build a team which includes some very good English players?

Maybe it's just not possible to sign ready made world class English players. And that instead, it is necessary to find players with potential and develop them? Lampard wasn't a big star before joining you, and neither was your current captain Cahill. And all of the current Spurs crop (Kane, Alli, Rose, Walker) weren't even known players before joining Spurs but are now regarded as top players. Even when we signed Rio and Rooney they were considered potential world class talents, not the finished product.

To answer your question specifically though, I like Shaw as a player (most United fans do) and he certainly has the talent to go far, as does Rashford.

I also think Bertrand, Redmond, Maguire, Welbeck and Rodwell all have potential to become top players. Rodwell made a bad career move but deserves another chance. None of them play for Spurs. Specifically, if you signed Bertrand and really developed him, he could be better than Alonso and hence he would be a starter in your current team.

Betrand's already 27, and will be 28 in a few months. Welbeck and Rodwell are both 26. It's a bit bizarre to say Betrand needs 'developed' when the guy isn't too far off his 30s and will soon be past what's considered his peak. Similar for Welbeck and Rodwell. Both are just relatively average and unless they're late bloomers, they probably won't develop into top players.

 

[TheMagicFoolBus]

How do Chelsea fans feel about having no English players at all in the team? Based on the lineup you posted, there isn't even an English player on the bench.

In the past, clubs spoke about having a strong English core. Almost all dominant teams in the PL era have had one, from Arsenal's famous backline, to United's class of 92, to Chelsea's spine of Terry, Lampard, and the two Coles.

Even during Arsenal's later successful spell which was dominated by French players (Henry, Vieira, Pires) they still had a key player in Sol Campbell who was extremely important in that side.

Do Chelsea fans care?

I'm genuinely curious. This is not a criticism of Chelsea fans. I just want to know what they feel about having zero English players.

Whilst it would be somewhat bittersweet, at the moment there aren't any English players who could be acquired that are close to the quality of those I've mentioned. Having the best team possible is what I'd prefer. If there are two players of comparable skill/fit, then being English is a tiebreaker I'm happy to default to but not at the expense of the side.

 

[TheMagicFoolBus]

Even dreaming that Dybala is going to come to Chelsea could be classed as delusional. Also, I think Sanchez is the sort of player who will play well into early 30s. He does not rely on pace or dribbling ability.

I think a great summer would/could be getting Sanchez (£40m), Koulibaly/Manolas (£40m), Rodriguez (£30m), Aurier (£10-12m) and one out of Aubamayang/Morata/Icardi/Lukaku (£60-70m). Most of this could be financed by sales of Costa and Willian.

This is probably true, but a fella can dream can't he? He has been tenuously linked to Chelsea but seems odds on for Spain at some point.

 

[Claude Makélélé]

Why doesn't he try Azpilicueta at RWB and play a natural center back? He is a good defender but center backs need to be aerially dominant and that's the one weakness in his game. It was how Spurs beat you.

He used to play as a right back (Mourinho really loved him at left back). He is an an old style right back who is specialist in defend but limited in going forward. I mean his crossing and passing is quite good but his dribbling and controlling the ball when moving forward is ...

Well, as you said, people just remember the two goals we conceded against Spurs and forget his outstanding performance in uncountable matches. Let alone that game vs Spurs, I don't think we can remember another bad performance of him. In fact in the game we lost to Spurs, not only him but many other players didn't have a so good game.

Another point is that we play with 3 CB and we don't need all of them are just high and good in the air. Someone has to be quick and cover the land around and he is a perfect player for that role.

A 5'9" RCB could easily get ripped to shreds by the likes of Ronaldo, Neymar etc. He is very solid but he ain't no AC3. If we are to progress in this 3-4-3 formation he is likely to be one of the players go.

He is not as good in attack. If he player RWB, the right side would struggle creatively as it always did under Mourinho.

Neymar will not stand a chance against him, both in the air and in the land. Ronaldo is good in the air but that's why we have Luiz or somebody else in the mid. I can guarantee you he is the first name on the sheet on our defend next season

 

[AshfordLad]

I can guarantee you he is the first name on the sheet on our defend next season

I know that is what will happen, doesn't mean it should.

We should get Koulibaly and start with a back three of Koulibaly-Luiz-Cahill. That would put us right in the mix against the likes of Real, Barca, Bayern and Juve.

 

[Theafonis]

I don't think it makes sense to spend 40mil plus on a defender. We've already got Christensen and Zouma. I really feel these two will develop into top players with the proper guidance from Conte. Also, defense isn't that much of a concern for us right now -- it's goal scoring. We need to somehow take the goal scoring burden off of Hazard and Costa. It's a tired cliche, but goals win games ultimately. Obviously as you all know some of the best teams in recent history were full of goal scorers.

So basically we should recall Christensen, who has really blossomed into a fine and reliable defender, and Baba Rahman. That would give us depth in defense and we also have Ake that could play anywhere at the back -- even Kenedy could play the left wing back role.

If we spent our money instead on midfield and attack, I'd be more than happy.

 

[Kentonio]

even Kenedy could play the left wing back role.

I'd love to see Kenedy given a chance, I'm a big fan.

 

[Claude Makélélé]

I know that is what will happen, doesn't mean it should.

We should get Koulibaly and start with a back three of Koulibaly-Luiz-Cahill. That would put us right in the mix against the likes of Real, Barca, Bayern and Juve.

Well, if we have Luiz, Cahill, Dave, Koulibaly (or Van Dijk) on the list then any of three of them playing in back three is fine to me. The competition then is good. But that is still only 4 players competing for 3 slots, so we can have Christensen and another young player join the group as well.

So in the end, I mean, many would disagree but I want us to sign another established defender

 

[D2Z]

People complaining about Azpilicuetta? Ill give you Jones, Smalling and my missus for Azpi.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I really think if we sign VVD, we are at a risk of losing Christensen. He would want to come here to play for the first team.It will be like we recalled KDB but signed Schurrle and Willian. In the 1st game of the next season, I really do not see anyone other than the current back 3 starting anyways.

Wouldn't Christiansen spell the end of Azpicuelta as a CB and Cahill, if VVD was bought?

 

[TheReligion]

This coming summer Chelsea will certainly be a more attractive prospect to join. If Costa goes to China for €120m as has been widely reported the club will have somewhere on the order of €250m to potentially spend. Assuming Lukaku costs €75m then there's still €175m to spend in reinforcing the squad-for me a goalscoring box to box CM is needed along with depth at the wingback positions. Potentially a left footed right forward as well who likes to come inside to create space for wingback overlaps...Dybala or Griezmann?

I'm personally not sold on Sanchez; he's a class player but I don't think he'll age well. I'd be reluctant to spend the rumoured €50m on him personally. For me the dream summer would be something like Dybala (€120m), Nainggolan (€30m), Lukaku (€75m), Sidibe (€25m), Christensen (free). I'd also probably sell Willian, with Pedro assuming his role coming off the bench.

--------------Courtois----------------
Azpilicueta----Luiz(C)---Christensen
Sidibe--Kante---Nainggolan--Alonso
---Dybala-----Lukaku-----Hazard---

Subs: Begovic(?), Moses, Fabregas, Matic, Pedro, Zouma, Ake

For me that's one of the best sides in Europe, capable of challenging on multiple fronts and playing a wide variety of styles.

So you want to replace half of your current first team?