Chelsea are top of the Premier League table and it has been a remarkable turnaround by the players who have let themselves be guided by the brilliant Conte and the results are there for all to see. They struggled badly last season and it needed Chelsea’s go-to man Hiddink to pull the side from the dungeons and give a semblance of respect.
Antonio Conte came in with not the greatest expectation in the world. Known to be able to work with players available to him and focusing mainly on tactics and the ability to grind out results, he was understandably expected to take time. But after a quiet start, things turned on its head and they went on a 13-match winning streak. Snapped out of it by Spurs in their last match, they will surely recognise the need to strengthen with the need to keep things fresh to win the title and also keeping in mind next season’s participation in several competitions.
With the transfer window heating up gradually, let us take a moment to assess the transfer likeliness of the following rumours circulating the Stamford Bridge.
RICARDO RODRIGUEZ- 5/10
Chelsea have Marcos Alonso as their only recognised left-back as Azpilicueta has been moulded into a right-sided centre-back under Conte. Injuries are obviously unforeseen but to be prepared for it is obviously something which can be done in advance. Rodriguez is a strong and physically imposing left-back and his strength is in his attacking play. Always on the front-foot, he gallops forward and delivers enticing crosses into the box. His dribbling is also top notch. But there are question marks over their ability to lure the player to England. He is said to be holding out for a move to Inter Milan where he will get to be a regular.
JAMES RODRIGUEZ- 3/10
The big-name transfer which the fans have been wanting and hoping for since the summer. The Colombian hasn’t been able to nail down a starting spot at Madrid and has sent out cryptic messages time and again making the tongues wag. His powerful midfield presence and his aura could have turned Chelsea into sure shot champions. But if latest reports are to be believed the player might have turned down a move to London and instead decided to stay on at Bernabeu.
VAN DIJK- 6/10
Another transfer saga which looks like it may stretch onto the summer window. The defender has reportedly been courted by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. Chelsea have Azpilicueta, Cahill and Luiz as the only recognised centre-backs and an injury to any of them will leave them with an injury-prone Zouma to fall back on. Never an ideal situation for a team looking to win the title. But Southampton are determined to hold on to the player and will probably demand an astronomical price in summer.
