Chelsea won the English Premier League last season and no other team could even give them a proper title challenge as they created a record of staying most number of days at the top of the table.
Summer transfers Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa made the greatest impact for the Blues as Diego Costa scored 20 goals and Cesc assisted 18 times in the League.
Chelsea boss Jose Morinho made sure that the team scored enough goals as they suffered in 2013-14 season due to lack of finishing ability.
Even defender Branislav Ivanovic scored 4 times in the league.
Eden Hazard, voted as the “PFA Players’ Player of the Year” played a vital role for the Blues as he scored 14 goals and assisted 9 in the League.
Six Chelsea players – Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Matic, Hazard and Costa were in the “PFA Team of the year”
Chelsea also won English League Cup last season. What we saw about Chelsea was sheer dominance and Chelsea fans looked happy after a successful season and looking to build on the foundation from last season.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who is a fan favourite, was hailed by the fans again after he delivered trophies in his second spell at the club.
2013-14 season was a trophyless season for Chelsea and fans were pleased after being patient wih the team and the manager.
Chelsea squad was almost a complete squad last season and they were favourites to clinch the League by the bookmarkers.
Chelsea squad does not need much addition from last season. Mourinho may not take any risk of changing the winning combination.
So let’s discuss about the needs of the Chelsea squad for the upcoming season:
Goalkeeper –
Thibaut Courtois is likely to be the first choice keeper next season also. Petr Cech is close to join rivals Arsenal as he will get game time there. Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and the 23 year old Belgian is going to be a key part of Chelsea’s future.
Defense –
Chelsea’s defensive line up was brilliant last season with their long time captain John Terry leading the defence. The 34 year old centre back featured in 36 EPL matches. Gary Cahill did very well to support the captain in central defence. Young French centre back Kurt Zouma did well when needed and showed that he can be trusted to lead their defence.
Serbian RB Branislav Ivanovic and Spanish LB Cesare Azpilicueta were one of the best full back duo in the league. Left back Filipe Luis, bought from Atletico Madrid last season, saw his game time reduced as Azpilcueta, who is primarily a right back, did brillianty at his position last season.
Do they need any addition in their defence?
Chelsea were lucky as the Blues faced no major injury problems last season. Terry is now 34 and his game may fade with his age. Cahill seemed a little off form at the end of the season. Zouma stepped up to fill Cahill’s boot when called upon by his manager. Chelsea should sign a quality centre back as they have other tournament commitments also. At least a decent back up is what they need. Both the right backs Ivanovic and Azpilicueta did very well last season and they do not need any more right backs. Azplilicueta’s ability to play at both flanks meant little game time for Filipe Luis who would make it to the starting XI of most teams in Premier League.
Central Midfield –
Cesc Fabregas was brilliant last season with 18 assists to his name. Nemanja Matic is one the best defensive midfielders in the world. The duo clicked for the most of the season. Ramires did not do well on the few appearances he had. John Obi Mikel has become a fringe player due to existing options Chelsea has up their sleeve.
Do they need any addition at central midfield?
Chelsea will play in UEFA Champions League also and will be optimistic with their chances in the competition. They should sign a quality central midfielder to rotate with Cesc and Matic. Exit of either Mikel or Ramires will be good for both the player and the club. Chelsea have been linked with Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. He will be a perfect addition for the club. Even if Chelsea does not get Pogba, they should sign a quality central midfielder.
Attacking Midfielders:
Hazard was simply brilliant last season and a key player for Chelsea. Oscar also did very well whenever he featured for the club alongwith compatriot Willian who also did great last season. Winger Juan Cuadrado arrived as a January signing and started only 3 times for the London club.
Do they need any addition at attacking midfield?
Oscar is rumoured to be offered to Juventus to get Pogba. If Chelsea sell Oscar, they should look for a good attacking midfielder. Otherwise they do not need any additions in this area.
Strikers
Diego Costa was brilliant last season and scored 20 goals in the league, Loic Remy, who made only 4 starts and 12 substitute appearances, scored only 2 goals , while veteran Didier Drogba scored 3 times in the league.
Do they need any additions at centre forward role?
Chelsea is heavily linked with Colombian striker Radamel Falcao and it is almost adone deal according to sources, only official announcement is pending. If they get Falcao, there is no need to sign any more strikers, as he will fill the gaps in Chelsea’s armour.
Chelsea is favourite to win Champions League again this season, and their dominance is likely to continue.