Antonio Conte is expected to make wholesome changes at the club which included a shift from the traditional 4-2-3-1 which was used for almost a decade now at the Bridge. Contes likes to change formations according to the demands of the game and is adaptive to shift to 3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 3-4-3. Three men at the back has not been successful that much in the recent past in England, but Conte has experience and most importantly success playing with that system. Blues’ future depends on how fast the players get used to the Italian’s tactics.
Michy Batshuayi has been signed this week who can prove to be an able backup to Diego Costa and has the potential to be a world class forward. A midfielder is going to be signed along with a centre back to bring solidity into the team and make the team a tough side to beat to reach the top four after a deserved hiatus in the European competitions. Let’s see how the blues’ midfield will look once Canute takes charge next season:
Left wing back: Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard was Chelsea’s best defender last season and has to evolve as a wingback if he wants to impress the boss. He will give the blues defensive stability with three at the back and has improved his attacking output, which was evident in his crossing last season. Azpilicueta can become an important member of Conte’s dressing room at the Bridge.
Central midfield: Cesc Fabregas
He enjoyed a free roaming role under Guus Hiddink and after a dip in form, has regained his lost touch and will look to dictate the game from the centre of the park. His vision will be important to spray balls all over the field when the Fullbacks surge forward and has a crucial role to play in Conte’s team.
Central midfield: Radja Nainggolan
The Roma midfield enforcer is a prime target for the blues and the deal is expected to be completed in the coming month to make the Belgian a Chelsea player before the start of the new season. His work rate and aggression are the attributes that Chelsea lacked last season and by looking at his style of play, Nainggolan appears to be a perfect Conte player to control the midfield.
Right wing back: Willian
The Brazilian was Chelsea’s best player last season and his work rate is his most striking feature. He can become a perfect wing back who can track back and attack with the same vigour. His dead ball skills place him among the Europe’s best and the Brazilian will look to cement his place in the team in a new role in the team.
Attacking midfield: Eden Hazard
The Belgian has regained his lost touch in the Euros and was one of Belgium’s best players. He can be more dangerous when played centrally and with a 3-5-2 system, Hazard can be deadly by playing behind the two strikers. Hazard will look to improve his lost reputation and for the team to do well next season, Hazard needs to fire all cylinders.