The return of Jose Mourinho has been met with much excitement since it was announced last month, unless you’re a fan of an opponent in the Premier League, and rumours have been flying with how his side will look come the beginning of August. We have a quick look at how they could be lining up should some of their transfer rumours come off.
4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper
Petr Cech
There is no doubting who the number one is at Stamford Bridge and he will remain just that for some time to come. Thibaut Courtois is to spend yet another season on loan to Atletico Madrid as the Czech shot-stopper bosses the sticks in west London, although it will be interesting to see if the 21-year-old will stay and fight for a place the following year.
Right-back
Branislav Ivanovic
Although Mourinho often likes his full-backs to be pacy outlets there are few who can control a backline like the big Serb. His bullish style of play and experience in the Blues defence has seen him carve a hero status in the capital and it would be difficult to dislodge him from the team.
Despite his lack of pace, Ivanovic does enjoy getting forward. He scored five goals and created 14 chances for his teammates last season as well as making 11 defensive actions per game (on average).
Centre-backs
David Luiz
The Brazil international has really hit the skies since his move to London last year and will be one of the first names on the team sheet, whether it be in defence or midfield. His runs from the central positions and some questionable defensive performances have seen some argue he is best suited to a role further up the field, but the 26-year-old won 84% of his tackles and 59 of his 104 headers last year.
Chelsea will be desperate to hang on to him despite interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Eliquim Mangala
The Porto star is being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea for a massive chunk of money. The giant centre-back has been commanding the defences of both Porto and Standard Liege since turning pro and is now a full France international.
The 22-year-old is seen as the ideal figure to replace John Terry.
Left-back
Ashley Cole
With rumours spreading like wildfire that Southampton starlet Luke Shaw is on his way to the club, Ashley Cole’s future has been thrown into question. The England defender has still got it, whatever it is, and will be Mourinho’s first choice left-back next year, you can be sure about that. In 31 league games last season Cole amassed a pass percentage of 89%, a duel success of 62% and created 17 chances.
Central midfield
Xabi Alonso
This is where things could really be reshuffled. Jose Mourinho is likely to swoop for what was the staple of his Real Madrid midriff, Xabi Alonso, to partner him with Michael Essien, who returns the club after a year-long loan in the Spanish capital.
Alonso is renowned for his passing abilities, his vision and intelligence on the ball and is apparently one of Mourinho’s main targets. He played 28 La Liga games under the Portuguese manager last season, sculpting 48 chances and boasting a duel success of 63%.
Michael Essien
Which brings us on to our next holding midfielder. The chunky Ghanaian is a real powerhouse in the middle and adds a much needed steel to any side he is deployed in. The 30-year-old played 21 games last term and scored twice. He made five defensive actions, on average, per game and finished on a pass percentage of 88%.
Attacking roles
Eden Hazard
The little Belgian had a spectacular first season in the Premier League last year and will surely be a mainstay in the side again next season. Nine goals, 65 chances created and shot accuracy of 60% has seen him become an essential part to how the Blues play their game and it’s likely that he will be continuing in his wide role again next season.
Juan Mata
The Chelsea player of the year from last season, Mata is an exceptional talent. He is the real creative hub in the Chelsea side and will again power the front four in anything Chelsea do next season. He scored 20 goals last season from midfield, 12 in the league, and created a further 95 chances. Mata can play anywhere across the attacking three but thrives in a more central role.
Andre Schurrle/Oscar
This is a tough one. New signing Schurrle will no doubt be eager to get his boots into the first team from the off, but Oscar had a marvellous season last term and the majority of Chelsea fans will want him involved heavily. A pleasant headache for Mourinho to have, although they are very different players.
While the German excels in speed and composure in front of goal, Oscar is very much a player who enjoys picking a pass and shooting from distance, although his goal return is something he needs to work on.
Forward
Edinson Cavani
Every pair of fingers and toes are cross in the blue part of west London that Mourinho can pull this one off. Cavani is one of the most potent strikers in Europe right now and could be the final cog in the Chelsea forward berths to fire them to Premier League victory.
The Uruguayan scored 29 goals in 34 Serie A games for Napoli last season, and Blues fans will want the fat Spanish waiter Rafa Benitez to do them a favour.
Bench
Matej Delac
Gary Cahill
John Terry
Frank Lampard
Schurrle/Oscar
Fernando Torres
Romelu Lukaku