While Chelsea’s first team has remained more or less flawless for the most part of the season, it is their bench that lacks quality. The lack of European outings have helped Conte keep his main players fit so far, but they have evidently struggled during the hectic midweek fixtures.
Apart from the attacking third, where Chelsea have a plethora of players, the Blues lack quality in their midfield and defence. Except for Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante, Conte has only Cesc Fabregas who could be effective from the centre of the park. While Nathaniel Chalobah has been tried and tested rarely and he hasn’t quite impressed the manager, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is inexperienced for the first team and is also linked with a loan move away from Stamford Bridge.
In their available options, too, Chelsea lack creativity. If compared to the likes of Arsenal, who have Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Granit Xhaka, and Manchester United, who have players like Herrera, Fellaini, Carrick and Pogba, operating from central midfield, Conte has to rely hugely on hard work and pace during counter-attacks to press their opponents. While Kante’s hard work is paying off at the moment, they cannot rely on the former Leicester City star for long.
Conte is well aware of his team’s shortcomings and he is eyeing a move for Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to reports. The French international has been a hot prospect for many major clubs around Europe and Chelsea and Liverpool are among his admirers.
Kondogbia made a big money move to Italian giants Inter in 2015 for a fee of around £27million and was touted by many as the next big thing. However, Inter’s problems both on and off the pitch have affected his growth. His rift with former boss Frank de Boer further worsened his situation.
He has made only 11 appearances so far in Serie A and is looking to part way with the club. He hasn’t managed to make any real impact with only one assist to his name.
However, we believe his off the field antics have affected his form and the midfielder could be a real asset for Chelsea. At 188 cm, Kondogbia could be the perfect anchorman for the Blues who could intercept aerial threats and win the physical battles in the heart of the field and provide passes up front.
Conte could make a great player out of him and Chelsea can do with a player who has such good physical presence. He won’t just be a signing for this current season but for the future as well considering his peak years are well ahead. He can also provide some cushion to their three-man defence when needed.
