Chelsea
England’s Kings but who can help Chelsea become Roman’s Emperors?
Having inherited largely a readily assembled squad, who would Ancelotti be wise to bring in to clinch European glory? Who has he inherited that will only hamper the dream?
By James McLaughlin.
Chelsea have secured their return to the summit of the English game this season, and with an FA Cup Final to seal a league and cup double this weekend, Ancelotti appears to be the saviour to help them replace ‘The Special One’.
With the attack setting a goalscoring record of 103 in a season, the Italian has a sumptuous front line the envy of the football league. Add to that a midfield which can boast a 20 goal central man in Frank Lampard, he seems to have the perfect package to propel Chelsea on to domestic domination and a place among the European elite.
Billionaire owner Abramovich has made no secret that the latter is his chief concern, after all it was the magic of a Champions League clash which reportedly prompted him to invest his millions in the London club. Having inherited largely a readily assembled squad, who would Ancelotti be wise to bring in to clinch European glory? Who has he inherited that will only hamper the dream?
Players Out?
Ricardo Carvalho – The Portuguese defender has been a mainstay at the club since the first days of Mourinho’s reign and hasn’t appeared happy since his compatriot’s departure. With the emergence of Branislav Ivanovic and exciting youth coming through in Sam Hutchinson, it is doubted the club would miss his services.
Paulo Ferreira – Another of Mourinho’s signings who is now proving only a periphery figure and at 31, has his best playing days behind him. With youth a necessity in Chelsea’s ageing squad, Ferreira looks set for the door.
Juliano Belletti – Yet another of the older contingent of Chelsea’s squad. Having been a bit part player since Luis Felipe Scolari’s ill fated cameo in the Chelsea hotseat, Belletti would be better replaced by young talent.
Deco – Having established himself as one of the best midfielders in Barcelona’s, Deco joined with hope he could recapture scintillating form. He has been reduced to a fringe player as the engine room becomes crowded with star performers. At 32, it seems unlikely he will be able to work his way back in.
Players In?
Alexis Sanchez – If Chelsea fail to reach an agreement with Joe Cole over his wage demands, Sanchez could have fans asking “Joe who?” before long. The exciting Chilean forward can play down the flank with dazzling trickery and confidence in abundance.
Sergio Aguero – The UEFA cup winning forward has been a long time target of Chelsea and would provide the youth to grow into Didier Drogba’s shoes when the Ivorian eventually hangs up his boots.
Victor Obinna – The Nigerian striker has returned an impressive 10 goals in 24 games for his country and has impressed equally on loan at Malaga. If Chelsea can wrench him away from Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, they will have a powerful yet agile striker to add to a fearsome future attacking line.
Simon Kjaer – The Palermo centre back, though only 21, has been playing with consistent maturity beyond his years at Palermo this season. With Chelsea needing to shed ageing deadweight, the Danish defender, subject to an ₤11 million buy out clause, could provide the youth for a watertight future partnership with Ivanovic.
Who do you think Chelsea should buy/sell this summer? Please leave your comments below…
