Chelsea could potentially win the Champions League and the Premier League this season, they certainly have a very strong team. However, a team can always be better, and there are some areas, such as the striker position, which could be improved upon. Below, you will see my vision, including some potential and realistic transfers, that would be Chelsea’s dream starting XI for next season.
GK: Petr Cech
Cech has been at the club nearly ten years and is still going strong. Chelsea do have Thibaut Courtois waiting in the wings. He has been superb for Atletico Madrid for the couple years he has been there on loan and could step in for Cech, although he wants to stay in Spain.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic has been a great defender for Chelsea and brings them everything they need in a right back. He is an underrated one on one defender. He also brings a lot in attack, with his ability to get forward and provide width and crossing.
LB: Luke Shaw
Shaw is currently on Southampton and is only 18 years of age. He already has experience in the English Premier League and comes from a side that has produced the likes of Bale and Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain. Shaw is arguably the best young left back in football. He is a terrific crosser and has the ability to get forward in attack, similarly to Ivanovic’s traits.
CB: Gary Cahill
Cahill has been a terrific player for Chelsea since his arrival from Bolton. He has the size and speed that suits the EPL. He can play as a left or right center back and is fantastic defending balls in the air. He also provides size in the opposing club’s penalty area on set pieces. He has been outstanding this season.
CB: Eliaquim Mangala
Mangala currently plays for Porto in the Portuguese league. He has good size for a center back and has speed that can suit the style of the EPL. John Terry cannot play forever and Mangala would be a good fit for Chelsea. Chelsea also have Kurt Zouma coming into the team next year, but he may not be ready quite yet for consistent starts in arguably the hardest league in the world.
CDM: Nemanja Matic
Matic was brought back to Chelsea this past January from Benfica and he has looked terrific from the get go. He brings size and strength to a Chelsea midfield. He has the characteristics of Yaya Toure from Man City. Chelsea need him to be strong in that holding midfield to allow the attacking players to be at their best.
CDM: Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan is a German international who plays for Borussia Dortmund. He has all the skills needed to be a force. He would suit perfectly with Matic because Gundogan can defend in a deeper role, but would be allowed to go forward and utilize his skill set. Gundogan can do it all and him and Matic could be an unstoppable force in the midfield. If he is unavailable, Chelsea still have David Luiz who looks more of a midfield player than as a center back.
RW: Hulk
Hulk is a Brazilian international who plays in Russia for Zenit St. Petersburg. Hulk has been linked with Chelsea for a couple years now. I think Hulk would be a perfect fit for Chelsea’s style. Hulk would provide more goals than Willian. Hulk can also push forward and play as a secondary striker something that Willian is not as comfortable doing.
CAM: Oscar
Oscar has been a great signing for Chelsea and provides playmaking. Oscar has not been as lethal in front of goal but that is something that will come as he plays more and more. Oscar has also impressed by getting dirty and making tackles.
LW: Eden Hazard
Hazard is arguably the best player in the Premier League as of right now. It took a little bit for Hazard to get used to the EPL but he is nearly unstoppable 1 v 1 with a defender. Hazard has not only provided assists but has found the back of the net consistently and will only get better.
ST: Radamel Falcao
Falcao is top choice for Chelsea up top. Striker has been their problem this whole season, but Falcao is a clinical finisher. Falcao is currently injured and may miss the World Cup, but he should recover and be back to his best. If Falcao does not come, Chelsea can also target Edinson Cavani from PSG.
What do you think about this ‘perfect starting XI’ for Chelsea? Agree, disagree, who would you like on the squad?
