Blues go into the new season with a renewed belief that a season out of European competition will now become a rare commodity and does not happen again soon. The fans are hopeful about Antonio Conte’s appointment as to counter the other blockbuster managers that now grace the Premier League. Chelsea have a manager who can prove to be a masterstroke by Roman Abrahimovic. The reason for which Conte left Juventus was for the funds made available to him and that would be the least of his issues at Stamford Bridge.
New systems are going to be implemented at the Stamford Bridge and this summer transfer window is going to be crucial if the blues want to reach the summit again soon. Michy Batshuayi is a brilliant signing while centre midfield and a centre back remain the areas which need an upgrade. Radja Nainggolan and Leonardo Bonucci are being targeted and if the blues pull off these two transfers, Chelsea can challenge for the title next season. Rumours of Gonzalo Higuain are getting stronger now and with all the talent available already at the club, let’s predict how will Chelsea’s attack look come the beginning of the new campaign:
Attacking Midfield: Eden Hazard
First, let’s predict the attack if the blues opt for Conte’s favoured 3-5-2. The Belgian has regained his lost form which literally cost the club a place in Europe with his scoring touch getting back in the last month and also his brilliant performances for Belgium in the Euros. There were rumours of his departure, but he has rubbished all that and will be a crucial player for the Italian’s revolution at the club. Hazard can be more dangerous when played just behind the striker/s and can be the difference for the blues next season.
Striker: Diego Costa
Costa had an average 15-16 season, which resulted in dropping from the Spain squad for the Euros, but still was in double figures for the club and can become the feared striker like he was in his first season at the Bridge. Costa must impress the manager or else, he will face a question mark over his future at the club.
Striker: Michy Batshuayi
The new signing offers another dimension to the blues attack and can run behind defenses while Costa can be used just to stay near the box and keep the opposition’s centre backs engaged. Batshuayi can drop deeper, allowing Hazard to surge ahead and cause more damage to the other team. The former Marseille man can prove to be an instant hit just like another striker the blues from Marseille who became a legend at the club, Didier Drogba.
If the blues implement a 4-3-3 system, Costa and Batshuayi will compete for the sole striker’s spot while Eden Hazard and Willian will be deployed on the wings.