Barring their visit to the White Hart Lane, where Pochettino’s beautifully organised side really took out the sting of Chelsea’s attack, Antonio Conte’s men have more or less been unstoppable in the league, since their loss to Arsenal early in the season.
However, questions have been raised by the likes of Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion at times, who completely shut out Chelsea’s attack and the Blues just managed to scrape through the three points.
Honestly, Conte has done an exceptional job in taking the players at his disposal and making a great team out of it, which might not have been possible for Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola, who would have gone all out for stars to get the team back into the map. But, Conte’s tactics and forwards have been well-studied by most of the opponents now and better opposition, like Spurs, stand a chance to hold them again.
What Conte needs is a reshuffling in his attacking third, to get in players who provide something different when compared to Eden Hazard and Willian on the wings and a more mobile striker than Diego Costa. An ideal example would be Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud. Both the forwards shift their positions to give a different dimension to their attack when things aren’t working out.
And Chelsea’s next target could pretty much fulfil this need. According to reports, Conte is eye a move for Lazio’s attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson. The 23-year-old Brazilian international has been impressive this season in Serie A and has played a major role in Lazio’s brilliant form this season.
Anderson has scored two goals this season, creating 35 chances and eight assists. He has completed 544 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 75%, of which 82% have been forward passes.
Anderson has established himself in the first team since joining the side in 2013 from iconic Brazilian club Santos FC. Although he last extended his contract in 2015 which it runs up to 2020, Chelsea do possess the financial prowess to lure him anytime they want, although they have to face a stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
Anderson is an exception in his dribbling abilities and his ball interception abilities are unparalleled at times. The Brazil international consists a rare blend of attack and defence in his movements. He would be a real addition to Conte’s side backs. Anderson has created waves with his perfect passing and brilliantly controlled long shots.
While Pedro has shown sparks of brilliance this season, he is never consistent and quite injury prone. While Willian and Hazard have been fierce from the flanks, Anderson’s addition would bring versatility to the Blues’ attack.
