POTENTIAL Chelsea starting 11 next season if everyone is fit and targets are signed.
Chelsea are being continuously linked with a number of top class talents arriving for the start of next season.
Obviously during these unprecedented times, we do not even know if the current season will be able to finish, and whether it will have an effect on the transfer market opening on time.
However, you can be sure that managers such as Frank Lampard will be using this time to assess potential transfer targets, as he looks to improve on his first season in charge at Chelsea.
Lampard has done well so far – that is undeniable.
But you can’t help feel that with the addition of a few top class signings – players that he wants to bring in himself – Chelsea will be a fearful opponent next season.
There are likely to be some pretty big changes over the summer, with players leaving as well as arriving.
But Chelsea’s starting line up if every player is fit, could be a very scary prospect, and the squad will have a massive strength in depth.
Based off of whom Chelsea have been strongly linked with signing, this could be a realistic hypothetical line up for the first game of next season.
Goalkeeper
Dean Henderson – Manchester United
Yes it is difficult to see United letting him leave, especially to a rival.
But he has been quite vocal in saying that he will only return to United if he is promised game time.
Chelsea could offer that, depending on what they decide to do with Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Right Back – Reece James
There are simply no words needed here, James has been fantastic this season and will only improve even more.
Left Back – Alex Telles – Porto
This seems like a move that is just destined to happen.
More publications are suggesting that talks are already ongoing for this transfer to be agreed soon.
Centre Back – Andreas Christensen
Depending on which centre back Lampard looks to sell, I think Christensen will be the safest one moving forward.
He needs to improve still, but he is probably the most consistent right now.
Centre Back – Gabriel Magalhaes – Lille
Similar to Telles, there is talk of an agreement close between the two sides for the deal to go through as well.
He is a fantastic talent, and just the sort of dominant centre back that Lampard is looking for.
Defensive Midfield – Mateo Kovacic
Kovacic is always better playing deeper, and I think due to his pace and ability to be press resistant, he pips other options in this role.
He will need to watch his back though, because Billy Gilmour is coming for his spot!
Centre Midfield – Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Chelsea’s best midfielder, in my view, must start, and must start as a box-to-box midfielder.
Rotate him with N’Golo Kante as and when needed.
Attacking Midfield – Hakim Ziyech
Can obviously play on the wings as well, but he is a very creative player and has been effective in a central position often.
Mason Mount will be hovering around ready to rotate with him.
Winger – Jadon Sancho – Dortmund
I think Chelsea will only make one big money move during the summer, and I think they will do all they can to make that Sancho.
Winger – Callum Hudson-Odoi
He has still been regaining form after that bad injury, but next season he will explode back onto the scene.
But if he doesn’t, then Christian Pulisic will be quick to take his spot.
Centre Forward – Moussa Dembele – Lyon
Tammy Abraham will have some good competition in Dembele, but I think he can handle that and will try stake his claim.
But if Chelsea sign Sancho, don’t expect a big money Lautaro Martinez type of profile arrival as well, I think it will be one or the
other.
Twitter @SiPhillipsSport
