With the transfer window just a couple of weeks from closing, Chelsea has only Benayoun as the confirmed signing for season ’10-11. Having let players like Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, Deco, Beletti and Caravalho leave, much was expected in terms of getting star players. Also the world cup added to the hype. Now I am no soccer pundit. I just want to put down how I expected Chelsea to operate in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea were not want for goals last season having scored a team and epl record number of goals. Drogba and Lampard got their career best number of goals to contribute. But therein lies the problem. They are both in their 30′s and its foolish to expect them to repeat the feat again and again. You would expect them to do well again, but it’ll be tough to reach the benchmark set in the last season. Apart from Drogba, Kalou and Anelka are not that good. Actually, I have no respect for Anelka. I do not understand what Chelsea saw in him that they renewed his contract. Kalou has not shone either. Sturridge is good, but we do need another good signing in that department. I would not really favor Torres as he is already 26. Drogba can carry the team for another couple of years. We need a youngster who comes in as Drogba’s understudy and picks off from where Drogba leaves. Chelsea need to find their Chicharito.
In the mid field, I see no real need to spend money. Lampard plays almost every match. Essien is back to fitness. Mikel is also good. We have bought the experience of Benayoun this summer. Malouda came of age last season. Kakuta has had a wonderful outing with France. I would certainly like to see Kakuta play in the first team.So getting Oezil or any other world cup star doesn’t make sense if the Ramires deal is almost done.
The one area that really concerns me is the defence. Terry has gotten slow with age. Caravalho has left. So we are dependent on Alex and Ivanovic. Ashley Cole has a cover in Zirkhov, but RB is weak. Jefferey Bruma and Mancienne are almost sure to be listed in the squad as well. But that isn’t reassuring. We need a good world class defender.
The goal keeping department is the Achilles heel. Turnbull and Hilario are just not good enough to take over from Cech in case of injury. Chelsea suffered because of Cech’s injury in the last season and this summer pre-season games.
On the whole, I would like Chelsea to sign a good young forward (say maximum age of 22-23), a good defender. It would be a dream come true if Chelsea can get Sergio Ramos or Philip Lahm. But I know it’s just too good to be possible. Our squad is good enough to defend the titles. And if we get a few good signings, we’ll have a great chance in Champions League as well.
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