How Chelseas starting XI could look in 2014/15 after the signing of Diego Costa and former Arsenal star The Blues are expected to be busy once again in the transfer market. Finishing third in the Premier League and making the semi-finals of the Champions League was a solid if unremarkable return to Chelsea for Jose Mourinho in 2013/14. However, the lack of trophies will have frustrated the 51-year-old and as such he is expected to make some expensive purchases over the summer to bolster his squad. Here is how Mourinhos starting XI could look in 2014/15. GK - Thibaut Courtois One of the biggest decisions the manager has to make ahead of the new campaign is who his first choice goalkeeper will be. That is because as solid as Petr Cech is, Courtois is returning to Stamford Bridge after three years on-loan with Atletico Madrid, in which time the 22-year-old has become recognised as one of the finest stoppers on the planet. RB - Branislav Ivanovic The Serb has adapted to his new role at right-back brilliantly over the past few years, having started life in west London as a central defender. As good as Cesar Azpilicueta was last term we still expect Ivanovic to hold his place in the team for at least a little while longer. LB - Felipe Luis If the Blues have their way the raid on Atletico will continue with the purchase of this Brazil international, as they search for a replacement for Ashley Cole. The 33-year-old has announced he is leaving the club this summer and Felipe would come in to compete with Azpilcueta. Source: Daily Mail. CB - Gary Cahill It was a brilliant 12 months for Cahill in 2013/14, in which the England international was named in the PFA Team of the Year for his performances. This is because the 28-year-old helped his side to the best defensive record in the English top tier and looks utterly comfortable on any stage now. CB - John Terry Alongside Cahill is the only one of the veteran Englishmen at the club - including Cole and Frank Lampard - that will still be playing there next season. That is because unlike the other two Terry was stalwart in the side last year and the captain remains one of their best players at 33-years-old. CM - Cesc Fabregas With Lampard on his way and doubts over the capabilities of John Obi Mikel, at least one new central midfielder is needed at the Bridge. That is where Fabregas comes in, with Barcelona keen to sell the 27-year-old for a fee of around £30m - which the west Londoners could more than afford. Source: Telegraph. CM - Nemanja Matic Alongside the Spaniard would be a January purchase who looks to be worth every penny of the £20.75m paid to Benfica for his services. Matic used to a Blues player before leaving for Lisbon in 2011 as part of the deal that saw David Luiz come the other way, but now aged 25-years-old the Serbian is back and looks to be one of the finest defensive midfielders in the game. RM - Willian Signed from Anzhi Makhachkala last summer following a transfer saga that also involved Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, the £30m midfielder looks to have been worth the hassle. Willian has a commendable work rate and if the Brazilian can add a better scoring edge to his game, could become one of the best attacking midfielders in the league. CAM - Oscar Another Brazil international now and a player that Mourinho named as his preferred No.10 ahead of Juan Mata when he returned to the club in 2013. Mata is now at Manchester United and after a good start to the campaign Oscar needs to start repaying the faith of the Portuguese coach with more consistency. LM - Eden Hazard Despite much speculation about this Belgians future at the club and Paris Saint-Germain sniffing about, it looks as Hazard is going to stay for at least one more year. Mourinho has said the 23-year-old has the capability to be a Ballon dOr winner and will want to nurture that for his team. ST - Diego Costa The main problem area for the team last term was in attack, where the trio of Demba Ba, Samuel Etoo and Fernando Torres were simply not good enough. Thats why after scoring 37 goals in all competitions Mourinho wants to sign Costa from the Vicente Calderon Stadium for his £32m release fee. Source: Daily Star. #a_legend_has_left_but_still_treasure_his_memories_and_him_at_the_bridge. Super Frankie. How good is it, next seasons expected line-up? EH17
Posted on: Tue, 03 Jun 2014 12:36:34 +0000
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