Premier League giants Chelsea started the season looking a bit shaky, but have gradually proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. Last season was Stamford Bridge hero Frank Lampard’s first at the helm of this historic club, and the fact that they finished in the top four alone was quite the achievement, especially considering the squad that was at his disposal. The manager was forced to depend on a variety of youngsters across various positions, and although a majority of them did step up to the plate, it required additional effort from each player to ensure that they were up to the standard.
This time around though, the Blues look like a whole other kind of animal, with a number of changes having been made to the team. Not only have they managed to reinvigorate their defensive structure, but they have now added a newfound attacking intensity to their game as well. Lampard has managed to achieve this by using the funds available to him in an efficient manner over the course of the summer. The likes of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have already improved Chelsea’s team when compared to last season, and with time together on the pitch, they’re only going to get better.
Although the big money signings had an important part to play, it must be conceded that the youngsters, who had such amazing influence in the team last season, have also been essential to the progress they’ve made. However, despite this, it’s worth taking into account that Chelsea actually have a lot of deadwood in the team, either as a member of the Chelsea roster, or on loan at a smaller club. Identifying 3 players Chelsea need to cash in on next summer was never going to be an easy task, but considering the strength they have on offer, it’s something that needs to be done.
Identifying 3 Players Chelsea Need To Cash In On Next Summer:
Kepa Arrizabalaga
When the Spanish international stopper arrived from La Liga, the mood around the club was an exciting one. Despite a solid enough start to life in between the sticks, Kepa’s form deteriorated consistently after just a few months. By the time he was dropped from the eleven, his confidence had taken a massive drop, while it often looked like he’d forgotten how to make saves. With Edouard Mendy now in the team, it’s easy to see that Kepa’s time as a first-team regular at Chelsea is now over, and before he sits on the bench and stagnates further, it would be in the club’s best interest to cash in at a loss.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The English midfielder is spending the current season on loan at fellow Premier League outfit Fulham. Despite being touted for big things during his younger days, injuries have seriously affected his growth as well as the rate of development. Although many expected Loftus-Cheek to transform into a regular starter in Chelsea’s core, things haven’t quite gone according to plan. The injuries have seemingly taken a lot of his pace away, while he doesn’t seem to have the physical attributes required to deal with the strenuous nature of Premier League football either. Even Fulham, who are currently in the relegation zone, have been keeping the Chelsea loanee on the bench.
Michy Batshuayi
The Belgian is another Chelsea player who is spending the season out on loan, at Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace. When the forward was first signed all those years ago, he was expected to be Didier Drogba’s successor at Stamford Bridge, but saying that his career trajectory hasn’t gone quite as well as Drogba’s would only be an understatement. Even at Palace, the manager has often opted to play the likes of Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew instead of the Chelsea man, and that shows the quality he has got. With the likes of Werner and Abraham now in the team, the chances of Batshuayi getting playing time are extremely bleak, and a permanent sale would be the best option.
