How Chelsea could line up if they sign all their transfer targets in January
Chelsea had a fairytale of a season until December but things have unraveled since then. They have only won four games out of the last 12 league matches. This has seen their title race derailed and has even put their Top 4 position under threat. But mid-season additions could revitalize their campaign.
Chelsea could use some refreshing additions in January
Chelsea had a terrific transfer window in the summer of 2020 as they acquired top class attackers and quality defenders. However, Romelu Lukaku and Saul Niguez were the only additions in last summer's transfer window.
The former was signed to 'complete the jigsaw' while the Spaniard was brought in to add depth to the midfield line. The jury remains out on both as they are more or less yet to justify their transfers.
Until then, the Blues could think about making some additions in January, especially since Ben Chilwell is out until the end of the campaign. He underwent knee surgery after picking up an ACL injury in their 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League.
Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are also out of contract in the summer. Thus, it might not be the worst decision to make some winter transfer signings.
On that note, let's take a look at how Chelsea could line-up if they signed all their transfer targets in January
Goalkeeper- Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy has been the top dog at Stamford Bridge over the last two seasons. His athleticism and shot-stopping abilities have saved the Blues on more than one occasion this season.
Edouard Mendy never gave up 💪 https://t.co/jWmUKsIshX
Moreover, he is only 29 and is likely to form part of the squad for a long time to come, given the professional life of goalkeepers. Kepa Arrizabalaga is also a fine deputy and Mendy is sure to replace him once he is back from AFCON duty.
Left centre-back- Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger has arguably been Chelsea's best defender for nearly a year now. Frank Lampard may have frozen him out of the team but he has been at the center of everything good under Thomas Tuchel. He is reliable, strong and an adventurous centre-back.
vs Leicester
Antonio Rüdiger’s last four goals:
⚽️ vs Leicester
⚽️ vs Spurs
⚽️ vs Leicester
⚽️ vs Spurs
Thiago Silva’s last four goals:
⚽️ vs West Ham
⚽️ vs Spurs
⚽️ vs West Ham
⚽️ vs Spurs
Chelsea CB’s 🤝 scoring vs Tottenham https://t.co/KCrkyhPujt
Rudiger has less than six months left on his contract but could play a vital role until the end of the campaign after which his future might be decided.
Centre-back- Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva is the experienced leader at the back that Tuchel relies on time and again. His calm nature on the ball, coupled with incredibly quality in set-pieces, makes him an invaluable part of the current setup.
Thiago Silva’s game by numbers vs Tottenham:
100% aerial duels won
96% pass accuracy
77 touches
6/9 duels won
4 ball recoveries
4 attempted long balls
3 successful long balls
3 shots
1 goal
A phenom at both ends. 🙌 https://t.co/waCUC3tqHe
Silva recently signed a new one-year deal that will see him stay at the club until the end of next season. Until then, he is sure to benefit the Blues at the back through his commendable leadership qualities.
Right centre-back- Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde has been one of the rising stars in Europe. He joined Sevilla in 2019 from Bordeaux and played a crucial role in winning the Europa League in his debut season.
Since then, he has quickly become one of the best centre-backs in the game. There were links of him joining the West London club in the summer but that move never panned out.
Liverpool join Chelsea in race to sign £70m Jules Kounde - football-talk.co.uk/167918/liverpo… https://t.co/5Vvsz7YVdQ
Instead, he has focused his abilities on delivering the La Liga title with the Spanish club. So it is no surprise that Sevilla have conceded the least goals in the league this season (16) and are only four points within the top of the table.
Kounde is strong in the air and can pass the ball out from the back. He has also established himself in the French national team and featured in their 2021 UEFA Nations League triumph.
Still only 23, he has a long future and Chelsea might be keen to sign him soon, since three of their centre-backs are out of contract in the summer.