Forget Conte’s Former Player: Here Are 3 Alternatives Chelsea Should Look To Sign This Summer

Stamford Bridge is getting ready for the arrival of the tactical genius, Antonio Conte. The Italian is going to take over the reigns at the Bridge and looking at his National team after two rounds, Italy have emerged as one of the favourites against all odds. It is not because Italy have a squad like in the past, actually this is said to be the weakest Italian squad in the last 50 years in a major competition. This all has happened due to the leadership of Conte who has marshalled his troops really well and set his team for a resolute defense and take advantage of the opponents’ mistakes.

Conte’s tactics are a treat to watch as while attacking the team gets in a 3-3-4 formation to help the forwards while the team sits in a traditional 4-4-2 while defending. When in possession, the centre backs get forward and spray long balls all over the field and mostly pump it to the tall centre forward. This is going to be the strategy at Stamford Bridge and for this ball playing and solid centre backs is one of the most important needs. At the moment the club has John Terry, Kurt Zouma and Gary Cahill as the specialist senior centre backs, but at least two more are needed going into the new season.

Leonardo Bonucci was a target for the blues naturally because of his time with Conte at Juventus and also with the national team. But he has recently stated that he wants to continue at Turin under Allegri and now the blues have to look elsewhere for a defender in the mould of Conte’s strategies. So, let’s take a look at three such alternatives to Leonardo Bonucci who can have a major impact for the blues:

1. John Stones:

The young England star is said to be the heir to the great John Terry and the blues should do all in their capacity to secure his services for the Club. Stones is still a work in progress and is guilty of making many errors throughout the season, but he has age by his side and under Terry and Conte, Stones can become one of the best in the world and can live up to his billing.

2. Kalidou Koulibaly:

Standing at 6″ 5′ and at 200 lbs, Napoli centre back Kalidou Koulibaly is built for the Premier League and can stand against the likes of Carroll and Benteke easily. His positional play has improved a lot this season, but his passing is a thing to worry about. He also has committed the most number of fouls in the league this season, which results in unnecessary bookings for him. But at 24, he has an immense future ahead and also the player has spoken out about his will to play in England and also of Chelsea’s interest. Napoli has not offered him a new deal until now which means the blues can get a centre back for a meagre fee. Koulibaly was in the team of the season in Serie A this campaign, and also Diego Mardona labelled him as the best defender in the league.

3. Antonio Rudiger:

Rudiger is a ball playing defender of AS Roma and has some tricks in his sleeve that are unheard for a centre back. His positional play is exceptional and his understanding of the game is far ahead than his age suggests. He will also won’t come costly and can be a crucial player for the blues in the future. With a passing percentage of 84, he can form a stellar partnership with Zouma in a back four and with him, Terry and Zouma, a solid back three will be present at Stamford Bridge who can keep a mean defense for the blues and a strong defense unit which is a main aspect of any Antonio Conte team. He is just 23 years old, and has all the traits to be a perfect Conte player.